Aortic Replacement

A ball-valve prosthesis for aortic replacement has been described which, while it is similar to the mitral ball valve in terms of materials and construction, is quite different in sewing margin and internal geometry. Implantation is greatly facilitated by the flexibility of the prosthesis in terms of external diameter, and by the availability of a full set of varying sizes for obtaining a proper fit. Widening of the aortic root by patch grafting has not been necessary. Long-term survival has been achieved in the dog, and early clinical results are most promising. While the selection of the ideal aortic valvular replacement must await further experience with all types of prostheses, continued evaluation of the ball valve in the aortic position, in carefully chosen patients, is indicated.