Modified Bentall procedure: A 15-year single-center clinical experience

Objective Bentall procedure is a standard technique for complete aortic root replacement but a huge challenge is postoperative bleeding. Many modifications have been proposed and the "button technique" is commonly used. With a 15-year experience, this study was to evaluate outcomes of this modified Bentall procedure. Methods A retrospective study was performed with all patients who underwent the Bentall procedure with a button technique between 2005 and 2020. Commercially available composite grafts were used in 38 patients and self-assembled composite graft was used in 74 patients. Safety outcome was postoperative complications and long-term outcomes included overall and reoperation-free survivals. Results Among 112 patients, the mean age was 46.3 years and 69.6% were men. Indications for the Bentall procedure were ascending aortic aneurysm and valve regurgitation (59.8%), aortic dissection (19.6%), Marfan syndrome (17%), and endocarditis (3.6%). Three patients (2.7%) died in hospital. During a median follow-up period of 42 months, 11 patients died and 7 patients required reoperation. Overall survival and reoperation-free survival were 86.1% and 83.4% at 5 years and 86.1% and 72.6% at 10 years, respectively. Conclusions The Bentall procedure with a button technique is safe and effective for aortic root replacement. Further investigations are required to improve the feasibility and effectiveness of the procedure.