BRAIDED AORTIC ROOT GRAFT AND METHOD OF VALVE-SPARING

摘要

Embodiments provide methods and apparatus for surgically replacing an aortic root without replacement of the aortic valve (a valve-sparing aortic root replacement procedure). The apparatus for use during such a procedure is an aortic root graft having a braided tubular graft structure and a woven tubular graft portion. Embodiments provide for grafting, by anastomosis, the braided tubular graft to remnants of the aortic wall to which the aortic valves are connected, or to remnants of the aortic valve leaflets. An adjustable circular band element is positioned and attached to the braided tubular graft structure at the level of the sino-tubular junction to define a circle of selected adjustable diameter. The woven tubular graft portion is subsequently anastomosed to each of the aorta and the braided tubular root graft structure. The diameter of adjustable circular band element is adjusted to ensure proper coaptation of the aortic valve leaflets.