Modified Sakakibara classification system for ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE

To introduce a modified Sakakibara classification system for a ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm.

METHODS

From February 1, 2006, to January 31, 2012, surgical repair was performed on 159 patients with a ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm at Fu Wai Hospital. Of the 159 patients, 105 were men and 54 were women, with a mean age of 33.4 ± 10.7 years. The patients were divided into 5 types according to the site of the ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm rupture. The 5 types were as follows: type I, rupture into the right ventricle just beneath the pulmonary valve (n = 66); type II, rupture into or just beneath the crista supraventricularis of the right ventricle (n = 17); type III, rupture into the right atrium (type IIIa, n = 21) or right ventricle (type IIIv, n = 6) near or at the tricuspid annulus; type IV, rupture into the right atrium (n = 46); and type V, other rare conditions, such as rupture into the left atrium, left ventricle, or pulmonary artery (n = 3).

RESULTS

Repair of ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm through aortotomy was used in 100% of those with type V and 50% of those with type IIIv. In most patients with types I, II, and IV, repair was achieved through the cardiac chamber of the fistula exit (71.2%, 64.7%, and 69.6%, respectively). Both routes of repair were used in 76.2% of patients with type IIIa. No early and late deaths occurred. The aortic valve was replaced in 33 patients. One patient (type IV) underwent reoperation for a residual shunt during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

The modified classification system for ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is simple and practical for clinical use.