An intraoperative test device for aortic valve repair.

Objective: Aortic valve repair is currently in transition from surgical improvisation to a reproducible operation and an option for many patients with aortic regurgitation. Our research efforts at improving reproducibility include development of methods for intraoperatively testing and visualizing the valve in its diastolic state.

Methods: We developed a device that can be intraoperatively secured in the transected aorta allowing the aortic root to be pressurized and the closed valve to be inspected endoscopically.