Aortic Annular Enlargement with Modified Y-Incision Technique Devised from Preoperative Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography

Ann Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2024 Jan 26;30(1):23-00153. doi: 10.5761/atcs.nm.23-00153. Epub 2023 Nov 2.

Abstract

The Y-incision technique introduced by Dr. Bo Yang in 2021 is a very innovative technique that can enlarge the aortic annulus by two or more sizes without violating the left atrium or mitral valve. However, we encountered a case in which the left coronary artery ostium was located close to the left-non commissure. Therefore, we considered it would be dangerous to expand the incision to the left coronary annulus. We therefore devised a new technique that enlarges only the noncoronary annulus in an "L" fashion instead of a "Y" fashion. In performing this surgery, preoperative three-dimensional images were useful for understanding the anatomy when planning the aortic annular enlargement procedure. The L-incision technique can be a useful alternative method of aortic annulus enlargement.

Keywords: L-incision technique; aortic annular enlargement; modified Y-incision technique.

MeSH terms

  • Aorta / surgery
  • Aortic Valve / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Valve / surgery
  • Aortic Valve Stenosis* / surgery
  • Cardiac Valve Annuloplasty / methods
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation* / methods
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis*
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome