The Results of using the Cabrol Technique for Aortic Root Replacement

Kim, Jeong Won; Lee, Jong Tae; Cho, Joon Yong; Kim, Kyu Tae; Kim, Gun Jik

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Composite valve graft replacement is currently the treatment of choice for a wide variety of the lesions of aortic root disease. The purpose of this study was to explore the results of aortic root replacement after using the Cabrol technique over a 13-year period at our institution, and we analyzed the results to help surgeons make better decisions when repairing aortic root disease. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between January 1994 and December 2006, twenty-five patients underwent a Cabrol technique operation at our institution. The mean patient age was 43.7+/-14.1 years old (range: 6~65 years) and the male and female ratio was 21:4 (84%:16%). The patients' follow-up was 100% complete, and the mean follow-up period was 60.7+/-50.4 (range: 1~162) months. Annuloaortic ectasia (n=18) was the most frequent cause of aortic disease in this series, followed by aortic dissection (n=7). The mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 177.2+/-44.9 minutes and the mean aortic cross clamping time was 123.4+/-34.1 minutes. Nine patients were checked with MDCT (Multidetector computed tomography) for evaluating a well functioning secondary graft and the coronary anastomosis site. RESULT: The early mortality rate was 4% (1 of 25 patients). A significant stenosis, kinking or occlusion of the secondary graft was detected by MDCT in 4 patients. The overall survival rate was 88%. CONCLUSION: The Cabrol technique demonstrated a significant incidence of long-term complications such as secondary graft stenosis or obstruction. It could be used when the modified Bentall technique is not feasible.