Yacoub procedure: is annuloplasty always necessary? A case series

Introduction . The most common valve-sparing aortic root operations are the David procedure and the Yacoub procedure. The David procedure is much more commonly used and demonstrates good long-term results. The Yacoub procedure is performed much less frequently, but recently interest in this technique has increased, especially in combination with annuloplasty. Objective . To determine the indications for aortic valve annuloplasty during the Yacoub procedure and to present clinical cases. Materials and methods . The article describes the Yacoub procedure technique and presents two clinical cases of the procedure performed with and without aortic valve annuloplasty. Results. No in-hospital or late complications were observed in either clinical case. During follow-up, no progressive dilatation of the aortic annulus or increase in the degree of aortic regurgitation was detected. Conclusion . Annuloplasty during the Yacoub procedure is appropriate in patients with a dilated aortic annulus. In older patients with a normal baseline annular size, the need for additional annuloplasty may be determined individually.