Conservative operation in the management of annular dilatation and ascending aortic aneurysm.

Ascending aortic aneurysm associated with annular dilatation is generally handled by resection and replacement of the aortic root. Such an extensive operation may be avoided by a much simpler surgical intervention, ie, aortoplasty, valve replacement, and aortic wall reinforcement. Such an operation may be performed in cases where the shape of the aneurysm is a relatively regular "pear" or "teardrop" shape and is not extremely large. It also may be applied in cases of aortic stenosis with post-stenotic dilatation. The procedure requires barely more operative time and effort than a "simple" aortic valve replacement.