Cardiovasc J Afr. 2026 Jun 5;37(2):223-228. doi: 10.5830/CVJA-2026-007. Epub 2026 Jun 5.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Aortic valve insufficiency has been reported in approximately one-third of patients with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). In this study, we describe a new use of an old aortic repair technique and report its mid-term results.
METHODS: Twenty patients with BAV who underwent surgery for aortic valve insufficiency between January 2017 and March 2025 were retrospectively evaluated. All patients who underwent aortic valve repair using the Ozbek technique were included in the study. One case of moderate postoperative aortic insufficiency was identified via transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE), requiring reinforcement of the commissural sutures during the surgery.
RESULTS: There was no permanent pacemaker requirement, stroke, revision due to bleeding, or mortality in the early postoperative period. The mean follow-up duration was 59.0 ± 16.8 months; all patients were asymptomatic or had a NYHA Class I functional status. There was moderate aortic insufficiency in seven patients (35%), and no reoperations were needed during the follow-up period.
CONCLUSION: The Ozbek Technique, which allows commissural stabilisation, leaflet augmentation, and preservation of annulus growth potential, might be considered an alternative method for aortic valve repair. Multi-centre studies reporting long-term outcomes are needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique.
PMID:42319844 | DOI:10.5830/CVJA-2026-007