Valvar subcoronary aortic stenosis in dogs.

A technique for producing valvar aortic stenosis is described. The noncoronary sinus of Valsalva is plicated externally at a level proximal to the origin of the coronary arteries. The major intraoperative problems are hemorrhage, acute left ventricular failure, and heart block, all of which can be avoided. The survival rate in 26 dogs was 54% and all the survivors remained active. Moderate left ventricular hypertrophy was produced.