First beating-heart valve-sparing aortic root repair: a "corset" technique.

We present our preliminary experience with beating-heart aortic root remodeling using an external "corset," which we performed in 2 patients with aortic insufficiency and aortic root dilatation. Standard extracorporeal circulation (ECC) was used. After a meticulous dissection of the aortic root and ascending aorta, the bespoke vascular prosthesis was placed around the vessel to decrease its diameter and restore aortic valve function. Postoperative angiographic computed tomography (CT) showed a significant decrease in the diameter of the wrapped aorta. Echocardiography performed 12 months after the operation showed normal aortic valve function with trivial regurgitation and stable aortic diameter in both patients.