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Heart Surgery

Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Replacement

Valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSARR), also called the David Procedure, is a specialized surgical procedure that repairs the aortic root while preserving the aortic valve. One of four valves in the heart, the aortic valve pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.

The aorta is the main artery that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to the rest of your body. The first part of the aorta, called the ascending aorta, originates at the heart’s left ventricle and leads up into the aortic arch, which is an arch-shaped segment of the aorta that connects the ascending aorta to the descending aorta (the portion of the aorta that descends through the chest cavity). The aortic root is the part of the ascending aorta that is closest to and attached to the heart.


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Who Is Eligible for Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Replacement?

Valve-sparing aortic root replacement is used to treat:

  • Aortic root aneurysm: This condition is caused by an abnormal bulge (aneurysm) in the aortic root. An aortic root aneurysm is a type of thoracic aortic aneurysm. If the aortic root grows too wide, it can prevent the aortic valve from fully closing or cause the aorta tearing (aortic dissection) or rupturing. An aortic root aneurysm can also interfere with normal valve function and cause the valve to leak blood backward into the heart (aortic regurgitation).
  • Ascending aortic aneurysm with dilated aortic sinuses: This condition occurs when a patient has an abnormal widening of the ascending aorta (ascending aortic aneurysm) and their aortic sinuses (three segments of the aortic root) are wider than normal but not wide enough to be classified as an aneurysm.

You may be a candidate for valve-sparing aortic root replacement if your aortic valve:

  • Has very little or no calcium build-up (calcification).
  • Has very little to no damage.
  • Works properly or can be repaired.

Why Choose University Hospitals for VSARR?

Unparalleled clinical expertise

Highest quality patient outcomes

Office visits and imaging coordinated on the same day

Quick, convenient access with sites across the region

Virtual appointment option for follow up care

Who Performs Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Replacement at University Hospitals?

University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute’s heart surgery program, based at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, in Cleveland, Ohio, is consistently ranked in the top 1 percent of hospitals nationwide.

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For more information, or to schedule an appointment with one of our heart surgeons, call 216-844-4004.

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