The New Era of Three-Dimensional Annuloplasty Devices for Mitral Valve Repair: Rationale and First Experiences.

Annuloplasty should always accompany mitral valve repair in order to achieve proper annular remodeling and stabilization. Numerous types of annuloplasty rings-that differ from rigid to semi-rigid and flexible devices, from complete to partial, and from flat to saddle-shaped rings-are clinically available. A deeper understanding of mitral valve function, in conjunction with several recent studies, suggest it is advisable to prefer annuloplasty rings that mimic the physiological mitral annulus shape and three-dimensional (3D) dynamic changes in order to reduce haemodynamic stress on valve components and optimize leaflet coaptation, perhaps improving valve repair durability too.

Aortic Annuloplasty: Focus on the Use of an External Teflon Ring.

Aortic annuloplasty has been clearly demonstrated to have a protective influence in aortic valve repair. Over the past 20 years, different annuloplasty concepts have been proposed by different groups. However, the most appropriate approach to enable long-term annular stability remains highly controversial.

Twenty-year experience of aortic valve reimplantation using the Valsalva graft.

Objectives: Over the past 20 years, valve-sparing aortic root replacement has aroused increasing interest because of a progressive attitude towards the preservation of natural tissue. Aortic reimplantation is the most used technique to spare the valve, allowing simultaneously aortic root replacement and aortic annular stabilization. The reimplantation into a graft with sinuses guarantees an optimal anatomic and functional reconstruction with established good results at 15 years.

Reimplantation versus aortic ring annuloplasty in bicuspid valve with borderline aortic root ectasia.

Objective: Bicuspid aortic valve repair can be achieved with the reimplantation technique or external ring annuloplasty. Reimplantation could be an "overtreatment" in nonaneurysmatic aortic roots. External ring repair, on the contrary, could be an "undertreatment" in dilated roots.