Background and aim of the study: Surgical results after aortic valve repair in patients with aortic regurgitation (AR) of tricuspid valve morphology and with no evidence of aortic root disease have not yet been clarified. Methods: Between January 1994 and June 2001, aortic valve repair was performed in 40 patients (eight females, 32 males; mean age 61.0 ± 10.5 years) of this type. Surgical results and follow up data were summarized after aortic valve repair (for AR) in these patients. Results: One patient died in hospital (mortality 2.5%). The mean cardiopulmonary bypass time

was 143.5 ± 47.4 min, and mean aortic cross-clamp time 99.8 ± 34.3 min. At follow up, the mean AR grade was 1.5 ± 0.8 and mean NYHA class 1.0 ± 0; both parameters showed significant improvement compared to preoperative status (p <0.0001). Survival was 94.9% at one year and 82.6% at five years. The five-year reoperation-free rate was 87%. Conclusion: Aortic valve repair for AR in patients with tricuspid valve morphology is a safe procedure that provides good intermediate-term results.
The Journal of Heart Valve Disease 2006;15:169-173