The aortic root is the first part of the aorta. An aortic root aneurysm is a bulging or weak spot that occurs at the beginning of the aorta. You may need surgery to replace the diseased aortic root. This surgery can help prevent more damage to the aortic root, aortic heart valve or the aorta.

During aortic root replacement surgery, the surgeon removes the diseased aortic root. Then, they replace it with a tube (graft) made of synthetic material that allows blood to flow through it. The aortic valve may need to be repaired or replaced depending on the extent of disease to the valve.

There are different procedures to replace the aortic root.

Aortic Root Replacement With Valve Replacement (Bentall Procedure)

This surgery replaces the diseased aortic root and the diseased aortic valve. The surgeon replaces the diseased aortic root with a graft. They replace the aortic valve with a mechanical valve or a tissue (bioprosthetic valve).

Mechanical valves are made of special carbon compounds and titanium. The valves are designed to last for the rest of your life. Because the valve is metal, you will need to take blood-thinning medications (called anticoagulants) for the rest of your life. Anticoagulation is necessary to prevent blood from clotting on the metal causing blood clots.

Bioprosthetic valves are made from animal valves, usually pigs or cows. They do not last as long as mechanical valves because they are made from natural tissue. If you have a bioprosthetic valve, you do not have to take anticoagulants.

Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Replacement (David Procedure)

This surgery replaces the diseased aortic root with a graft and leaves your healthy aortic valve in place. Because the aortic valve is not replaced, you do not need to take blood-thinning medications.

There are different procedures to replace the aortic arch. Your aortic arch is the curved part of your aorta. There are three main arteries that come off the aortic arch that provides blood flow to your head, upper body and arms.