Bentall Procedure
The Bentall procedure is a type of open-heart surgery that is required for repairing the aortic root and the aortic valve. In this surgery the damaged aorta is replaced with composite valved conduit and coronary arteries are re-implanted into the graft.
The entire procedure takes around five hours.
Why is Bentall procedure required?
Some of the common problems for which doctors may recommend Bentall procedure include:
- Ascending Aortic aneurysm – widening of aorta
- Marfan’s syndrome – a disease from birth that weakens aortic wall thickness
- Type A Aortic dissection – tearing of the inner layer of aorta
- Aortic regurgitation due to annuloaortic atresia– when the aortic valve doesn’t close properly
Other possible causes that necessitate treatment through this procedure include congenital heart problems, physical trauma, autoimmune disease and general degeneration caused by high BP, smoking and atherosclerosis.
What happens during the procedure?
During Bentall procedure the doctor performs the following steps:
- Removes the affected part of the aorta and aortic valve
- Temporarily removes the coronary arteries
- Inserts an artificial aortic graft with a built in valve
- Makes two holes in the graft and re-attaches the coronary arteries
What happens after the procedure?
After the Bentall procedure, patients have to spend one or two days in the intensive care unit (ICU), where their vital signs like monitor heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and breathing will be monitored. The medical team will help the physical aspects of recovery like physiotherapy, mobility, etc. The patient’s breastbone will heal in 6-8 weeks.
It is very important to follow the doctor’s advice about medications and any recommended lifestyle changes after the surgery.