What is Bentall Surgery?
Bentall surgery is one of the methods used in the treatment of aortic root aneurysm and aortic valve diseases. With the Bentall method, the aortic root and aortic valve are replaced. Thus, the abnormal enlargement of the aorta, i.e. aneurysm, is eliminated.
Bentall surgery is usually performed by opening the rib cage. However, for the first time in the world, it was performed under the armpit between the ribs and we now perform Bentall surgery with a small incision under the armpit. The aortic root with aneurysm and the damaged aortic valve are removed. The aortic valve is replaced with a biological or mechanical prosthesis. A Dacron artificial graft is placed in place of the enlarged aortic vessel. The coronary arteries are connected to the Dacron artificial prosthesis. With this procedure, both the aneurysm at the aortic root and the damaged aortic valve are removed and replaced. As a result of the procedure, the aorta, which carries oxygenated blood to various parts of the body and is the largest artery of the body, is able to fulfil its function again.
To Which Patients Is Bentall Surgery Performed?
The applicability of Bentall surgery is evaluated according to the patient’s general health status, disease history, symptoms, etc. factors. Diseases that can be treated with Bentall surgery;
- Aneurysm in the Aortic Root: The part where the aorta exits the heart is called the aortic root. The aortic root, where the aortic valve is attached, directs the blood coming out of the aortic valve. Aneurysm may occur in the aortic root as a result of conditions such as weakness or damage caused by congenital diseases and some connective tissue diseases. An aneurysm in the aortic root increases the risk of aortic valve insufficiency or rupture of the aortic wall and can be life-threatening. Bentall surgery is a root replacement technique applied in patients with aneurysm in the aortic root and aortic valve stenosis or insufficiency.
- Aortic Valve Disease: The aortic valve provides the passage of blood from the left ventricle of the heart to the aorta. Damage or narrowing of the aortic valve, which prevents the blood from returning from the aorta to the heart and ensures the normal functioning of the circulatory system, may occur. As a result of aortic valve disease, the transmission of blood to the body may be prevented. Patients with aortic valve disease as well as aortic root aneurysm can be treated with Bentall surgery and regain their former health.
- Marfan Syndrome Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder, is a condition that affects connective tissue. Marfan syndrome triggers aortic aneurysm formation due to weakening of the aortic wall. Bentall surgery is one of the methods used in the treatment of patients with Marfan syndrome and aortic aneurysm.
- Aortic dissection Aortic dissection is a rupture of the aortic wall. In case of rupture, blood can enter between the inner layer and the outer layer of the vessel. As a result, blood flow is blocked and the organs do not receive enough oxygen. Bentall surgery is one of the methods used to treat patients with aortic dissection.
You can find out whether you need Bentall surgery by consulting a Cardiovascular Surgery Specialist. Since Bentall surgery can now be performed with a small incision under the armpit, it is important to get the opinion of experienced cardiac surgeons in this method.
