The Aortic Root: Simple as Possible, but not Simpler

During the past decades, replacement of the aortic valve (AVR) was considered a straightforward treatment of aortic valve disease. The technique is simple, with a relatively low perioperative mortality and morbidity (3-5%) and, as such, does not require a detailed knowledge of aortic root anatomy. However, with the renaissance of reconstructive procedures on the aortic root, an increased use of biological aortic valve prostheses (especially of stentless devices) and, finally, the revival of the Ross procedure, a more detailed understanding of aortic root function and morphology was required in the operating room.