Optimizing Aortic Valve Replacement Through Strategic Upsizing: A Modern Framework for Lifetime Valve Management

TL;DR

This paper proposes upsizing aortic valves during surgery to prevent long-term complications and improve future treatment options.

Contribution

It introduces a modern framework for optimizing aortic valve replacement through strategic upsizing to reduce prosthesis-patient mismatch.

Findings

Aortic annular enlargement techniques allow implantation of larger prostheses and reduce prosthesis-patient mismatch.

Computational fluid dynamics show annular enlargement improves postoperative flow dynamics and reduces pressure gradients.

Systematic valve sizing and PPM surveillance can enhance both immediate and long-term outcomes in aortic valve replacement.

Abstract

Aortic valve disease is increasingly recognized as a chronic, progressive condition in which the initial valve intervention exerts a decisive influence on all subsequent therapeutic options. The persistence of prosthesis–patient mismatch (PPM), often driven by implantation of small surgical prostheses (≤21–23 mm), is associated with higher residual transvalvular gradients, attenuated left ventricular reverse remodeling, inferior long-term survival, and compromised outcomes following valve-in-valve (ViV) transcatheter procedures. Accumulating clinical and imaging evidence indicates that aortic annular enlargement (AAE), particularly using contemporary Y-incision and extended “roof” reconstruction techniques, can safely and reproducibly expand the annulus, sinuses of Valsalva, and sinotubular junction, thereby permitting implantation of larger prostheses and substantially reducing the risk of PPM. Insights from computational fluid dynamics further demonstrate that annular and root enlargement favorably alters postoperative flow dynamics, resulting in lower peak velocities, reduced pressure gradients, and more physiologic flow patterns in both primary surgical valve replacement and simulated ViV settings. From a lifetime management perspective, valve diameter optimization emerges as a critical determinant of both immediate hemodynamic performance and future procedural feasibility. Surgical programs that adopt a systematic approach to anatomic assessment, valve sizing strategy, PPM surveillance, and ViV preparedness may achieve meaningful improvements in short- and long-term outcomes. This review integrates anatomic, operative, hemodynamic, and quality-oriented evidence to support consideration of valve upsizing as a central principle in contemporary aortic valve replacement.

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