Aortic Root Repair or Replacement

Aortic root repair or replacement is surgery to treat an enlargement or ballooning (aortic aneurysm) near where the large blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the vital organs (aorta) meets the heart (aortic root). The procedure is done to prevent the aneurysm from rupturing. Aortic root aneurysms are often associated with Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the body’s connective tissue, and other heart conditions.

The Cooper Heart Institute has a renowned team of cardiothoracic surgeons who offer world class care and have extensive experience performing aortic repair or replacement.

Understanding the procedure

During aortic root replacement, the surgeon removes a section of the aorta and the aortic valve. The section of the aorta is replaced with an artificial tube (graft), and the valve is replaced with a mechanical or biological valve.

During aortic root repair, the surgeon replaces the enlarged section of the aorta with an artificial tube (graft), while preserving the aortic valve.  The aortic valve is then sewn inside of the graft.

Indications for the procedure

Aortic root repair or replacement may be recommended to treat an aortic aneurysm.