The Bentall procedure is a type of cardiac surgery involving composite graft replacement of the aortic valve, aortic root, and ascending aorta, with re-implantation of the coronary arteries into the graft. This operation is used to treat combined disease of the aortic valve and ascending aorta, including lesions associated with Marfan syndrome. The Bentall procedure was first described in 1968 by Hugh Bentall and Antony De Bono.[1] It is considered a standard for individuals who require aortic root replacement, and the vast majority of individuals who undergo the surgery receive mechanical valves.[2]
Normal aortic root: The re-implantation of the coronary arteries is prone to complications, and aortic root replacement should be avoided when possible. The aortic valve and ascending aorta can be replaced in separate steps, without root replacement.
Normal aortic valve with annular dilation and ascending aneurysm (frequently found in Marfan syndrome): Artificial heart valves may wear out or require anticoagulation, and a valve-sparing aortic root replacement allows replacement of the aortic root +/- ascending aorta, while allowing a person to keep their own aortic valve and avoid the problems of aortic valve replacement.
