Print OverviewAortic root surgery is a procedure to treat an enlarged section of the aorta, also known as an aortic aneurysm. The aorta is the large blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body. The aortic root is where the aorta and the heart connect. Aortic aneurysms near the aortic root may be due to an inherited condition called Marfan syndrome. Other causes include heart problems present at birth, such as a bicuspid aortic valve. Why it's doneAortic root surgery is done to prevent: A rupture of the aorta. A tear between the layers of the aorta's wall, called an aortic dissection. Stretching of the aortic valve. The risk of these events depends on the size of the aortic root and cause of enlargement. Aortic root surgery is recommended for those at high risk. How you prepareBefore aortic root surgery, talk to your health care provider about the best treatment or surgery for your condition. Also discuss the benefits and risks of the surgery. What you can expect Ascending aortic root aneurysm procedure Enlarge image Close Ascending aortic root aneurysm procedure Ascending aortic root aneurysm procedure An ascending aortic root aneurysm procedure may be done in two ways. Valve-sparing aortic root repair (top-right image) replaces the enlarged section of the aorta with an artificial tube, called a graft. The aortic valve stays in place. In aortic valve and aortic root replacement (bottom-right image), the aortic valve and a part of the aorta are removed. A graft replaces the section of the aorta. A mechanical or biological valve replaces the valve. There are several types of aortic root surgery, including: Aortic valve and root replacement. This procedure also is called composite aortic root replacement. A surgeon removes part of the aorta and the aortic valve. Then, the surgeon replaces the section of the aorta with an artificial tube, called a graft. The aortic valve is replaced with a mechanical or biological valve. Anyone who has a mechanical valve needs to take blood-thinning medicine, also called blood thinners, for life to prevent blood clots. Blood thinners also are called anticoagulants. Valve-sparing aortic root repair. A surgeon replaces the enlarged section of the aorta with a graft. The aortic valve stays in place. In one technique, the surgeon sews the valve inside the graft. If you have another heart condition, your surgeon may be able to treat it at the same time as aortic root surgery. By Mayo Clinic Staff Aortic root surgery care at Mayo Clinic Request an appointment Doctors & Departments Jan. 18, 2023 Print Show references Selke FW, et al., eds. Aortic valve-sparing operations. In: Atlas of Cardiac Surgical Techniques. 2nd ed. Elsevier; 2019. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Oct. 7, 2022. Burke CR. Overview of open surgical repair of the thoracic aorta. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Oct. 7, 2022. Irimie V, et al. Long-term outcomes after valve-sparing anatomical aortic root construction in acute dissection involving the root. The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2019; doi:10.1016/j.jtcvs.2019.04.036. Ami T. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. Oct. 4, 2022. Choudhary S, et al. Aortic root surgery in Marfan syndrome. Indian Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2019; doi:10.1007/s12055-018-0761-9. Elghannam M, et al. Minimally invasive aortic root surgery: Midterm results in a 2-year follow-up. Journal of Cardiac Surgery. 2020; doi:10.1111/jocs.14628. Patlolla SH, et al. Outcomes and risk factors of late failure of valve-sparing aortic root replacement. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2020; doi:10.1016/j.jtcvs.2020.09.070. Related Aortic aneurysm Aortic dissection Ascending aortic root aneurysm procedure Marfan syndrome Thoracic aortic aneurysm Valve-sparing aortic root replacement: What patients need to know Show more related content Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, has been recognized as one of the top Cardiology & Heart Surgery hospitals in the nation for 2024-2025 by U.S. News & World Report. Learn more about this top honor Aortic root surgeryAboutDoctors&DepartmentsCare atMayoClinicRequestanappointment Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. 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