A geometric model of the normal human aortic root and design of a fully anatomic aortic root graft.

Objective: Available aortic root grafts generally flare outward in the sinus region, and this feature improves procedural ease. However, no current device is based on normal aortic root geometry, and a fully anatomic aortic root graft could further facilitate valve-sparing root operations.

Methods: To develop a model of the normal human aortic root, high-resolution computed tomographic angiogram images from 11 normal human aortas generated high-density x, y, z coordinates of valve and root structures in Mathematica.

Design characteristics of a three-dimensional geometric aortic valve annuloplasty ring.

Objective: A full geometric annuloplasty ring could facilitate aortic valve repair. The purpose of this report was to document the design of such a ring using mathematical analyses of normal human aortic valve computed tomographic angiograms.

Methods: One-millimeter axial slices of high-resolution computed tomographic angiograms from 11 normal aortic roots were used to generate high-density x, y, and z coordinates of valve structures in Mathematica.

Hemodynamic outcomes of geometric ring annuloplasty for aortic valve repair: a 4-center pilot trial.

Objectives: A geometric annuloplasty ring could improve efficacy and stability of aortic valve repair. Toward this goal, a 1-piece 3-dimensional titanium annuloplasty ring with Dacron covering was developed and tested successfully in animals. The purpose of this study was to define hemodynamic outcomes with this device used as the annuloplasty component of human aortic valve repair.

In vivo testing of an intra-annular aortic valve annuloplasty ring in a chronic calf model.

Objective: To increase applicability and stability of aortic valve repair, a three-dimensional aortic annuloplasty ring has been developed for intra-annular placement. The goal of this study was to test the safety of this device with in vivo implantation in the calf model.

Methods: In 10 chronic calves, the HAART annuloplasty ring was sutured to the aortic valve annulus using cardiopulmonary bypass.

Technique for aortic valve annuloplasty using an intra-annular "hemispherical" frame.

Objective: A need exists for a stable annuloplasty method for aortic valve repair. On the basis of a "hemispherical" model of aortic valve geometry, a prototype annuloplasty frame was constructed and initially tested. Specific goals were to develop a clinically applicable transaortic implant technique and to evaluate the system in isolated and intact animal preparations.