Current perspective on aortic valve repair and valve-sparing aortic root replacement.

Aortic valve repair and valve-sparing aortic root replacement are attractive concepts because they offer the possibility of valve competence without structural deterioration due to nonviability and they preclude the need for anticoagulation. Enthusiasm for aortic valve repair has waxed and waned over the past 45 years due in part to the inherent technical difficulties and poor mid-term results. Renewed interest in the concept of aortic valve repair has paralleled the development of valve-sparing aortic root replacement over the last 20 years. A current perspective on aortic valve repair and valve-sparing aortic root replacement is presented in the following review. Historical background, indications for repair, technical considerations, and outcomes data are discussed.