Apicoaortic valved conduit with an apical connector for aortic stenosis with a calcified aorta.

We report a case of apicoaortic bypass using an apical connector for severe aortic stenosis. A 74-year-old woman suffered from severe aortic stenosis, with a small aortic annulus and a severely calcified aorta. A valved conduit with an apical connector was placed between the left ventricular apex and the descending thoracic aorta because the risk of aortic valve replacement was high. Use of an apical connector facilitated a secure connection between the conduit and the left ventricular apex. The pressure gradient across the native aortic valve fell from 64 mm Hg before the operation to 19 mm Hg afterward. Apicoaortic bypass using the apical connector is a reliable option for relieving obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract in the presence of aortic stenosis when aortic valve replacement is a high risk.