The Surgical Relief of Aortic Stenosis by Means of Apical—Aortic Valvular Anastomosis

A means has been devised whereby the aortic valve can be effectively by-passed. Left ventricular blood leaves via the apex through a lucite tube in continuity with a modified Hufnagel valve and then enters the thoracic aorta. In dogs so treated the ascending arch of the aorta may be totally and permanently occluded without apparent impairment of the circulation. Postoperatively these dogs run, jump and swim and are not readily distinguishable from normal dogs. The entire ventricular manipulation is completed in 30 to 60 seconds. The applicability of this procedure to the alleviation of aortic stenosis in man is discussed.