Comparison of the “Modine modification” with the standard reimplantation technique: indications and options for improvement

Abstract

Reimplantation using a Valsalva graft is a well-established and validated technique for valve-sparing root replacement with sinus reconstruction. In 2014, Modine and collegues et al. proposed a modification to the standard procedure in which the aortic valve is resuspended by simply attaching the tops of the commissures to the neo-sinutubular junction. This approach eliminates the need for continuous in-graft suturing of the aortic wall remnants. However, a major concern with this technique is the creation of a gap between the commissures and the graft, along with concentrated diastolic hemodynamic stress at the suture sites securing the commissural posts. Recently, we introduced an enhancement to the modine modification by securing the commissural posts more firmly to the Valsalva graft using longitudinal pledgeted sutures placed within the interleaflet triangles. Early short-term outcomes of this approach called the simplified reimplantation appear promising. The aim of this commentary is to describe the simplified reimplantation technique, evaluate its potential advantages over the Modine modification and define its appropriate indications.

Keywords

Aortic valve sparing / aortic valve repair / reimplantation

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