Polytetrafluoroethylene leaflet extensions for aortic valve repair.

摘要

In this issue of EJCTS, Nosal' et al. [1] have published their initial experience with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) leaflet extensions for aortic valve (AV) repair in congenital patients. Although this is a small series, the authors must be congratulated on their excellent results.The main objective in AV repair is to restore the matching between the quantity of cusp tissue and the valve orifice in order to achieve good and durable coaptation. To avoid recurrence of aortic insufficiency (Al) and/or stenosis after AV repair, a systematic surgical approach determined by leaflet as well as aortic disease (the functional aortic unit-FAA) must be adhered to [2]. In pure Al, due to the dilatation of the FAA, generally there is enough tissue to achieve this goal without addition of tissue. Hence, one should be cautious in applying leaflet extensions liberally to situations where there is sufficient quantity of cusp tissue.