Frequency OF Follow Up CT Scans

[pekster11]

That's interesting. So having an ascending aortic graft puts a strain on the rest of the native (distal, descending) aorta. This would seem to indicate the need to monitor the descending aorta, perhaps by CT scan.

Yes it seems , especially if the aortopathy has a genetic element to it, the descending aorta is more vulnerable to developing an aneurysm following ascending aorta/arch graft replacement

 

[pellicle]

That's interesting. So having an ascending aortic graft puts a strain on the rest of the native (distal, descending) aorta. This would seem to indicate the need to monitor the descending aorta, perhaps by CT scan.

if you've ever done any physical handy work you'll know that if you glue something hard to something soft it can be ripped off and damage what it was glued to.

further, where the remaining aorta is stitched onto can also begin the process of becoming enlarged (due to connective tissue failure).

Remember, aneurysm is a connective tissue disorder (of which BAV is part of that set). I was told that head on collisions in my car were more likely to prove fatal because of my aortic graft. It seemed obvious when it was mentioned.

Being sceptical is good, recognising the established medical data is perhaps more important

 

[pellicle]

Just using this as a stepping stone

aortopathy has a genetic element to it, the descending aorta is more vulnerable to developing an aneurysm following ascending aorta/arch graft replacement

the genetic element is well known:

from Heart Valve Structure and Function in Development and Disease

Several genetic syndromes characterized by connective tissue disorders include valve malformations and progressive valve dysfunction. Marfan syndrome, caused by mutations in FIBRILLIN-1, is characterized by thickening of the mitral and aortic valves in addition to the characteristic aortic root and skeletal anomalies (92).​

from: Aortic valve sparing operations: outcomes at 20 years - David- Annals of Cardiothoracic Surgery

The main problem after aortic valve sparing operations is the development of AI. It has been established that in young patients with inherited connective tissue disorders reimplantation of the aortic valve provides more stable aortic valve function than remodeling of the aortic root.​

from Ross Procedure vs Mechanical Aortic Valve Replacement in Adults

However, the Ross procedure is contraindicated in patients with familial aortopathy and connective tissue disorder—owing to a prohibitive risk of autograft dilatation and failure—and​

Just saying