Ascending aortic root aneurysm repair and replacement

Ascending aortic root aneurysm repair and replacement may be done in two ways. Valve-sparing aortic root repair (top-right image) replaces the enlarged part of the aorta with an artificial tube, called a graft. The aortic valve stays in place. In aortic valve and aortic root replacement (bottom-right image), the valve and a part of the aorta are removed. A graft replaces the part of the aorta. A mechanical or biological valve replaces the valve.