Repair.
Ross.
Replace.
Aortic valve repair and surgical decision-making
Cusps, annulus, sinuses and sinotubular junction work as one unit. A durable repair restores their normal configuration. Measure the geometry, understand the mechanism, then decide whether the valve can be preserved.
You will leave able to
- Identify the mechanism of regurgitation before choosing a technique.
- Apply the principles of durable repair, from cusp to annulus.
- Judge when the valve cannot be preserved, and weigh Ross against stentless replacement.
- Define an acceptable result, for the patient's lifetime.
A repair you cannot measure is a repair you cannot teach.
Programme
All times UK time (GMT) · Speakers to be confirmed
Repair
Preserve the valve.
Introduction: Why Repair?
Is repair always the best choice?
Aortic Valve Repair: A Geometric Concept
Mechanism, geometry and measurement. Why some repairs last for decades, and why others fail early.
Aortic Valve Reimplantation for Root Aneurysm
Technique, possibilities and limitations.
Root Remodelling Is a Valid Option
Technique, limitations and short- and long-term results in root aneurysm.
Restoring root geometry while preserving the native valve.
Aortic Valve Repair with Normal Aortic Dimensions
Which valves can be repaired? What are the long-term results?
Valve morphology, tissue quality and the limits of reconstruction.
The Aortic Graft and Valve Function
How graft size and configuration influence valve form and function.
Can This Valve Be Repaired?
Find the mechanism, measure the geometry, decide. The operation and outcome remain hidden until a plan is agreed.
Measure the geometry. Understand the mechanism. Then decide.
Preserve when you can.
If the Valve Is Not Repairable…
When the valve cannot be preserved.
PPM in Aortic Valve Replacement: Myth or Reality?
How can we avoid patient–prosthesis mismatch? What techniques should be in the surgeon's armamentarium?
Rediscovery of a Not-So-Young Concept
Why and when to consider stentless aortic valves?
Root anatomy, haemodynamics, implantation concepts and the limits of this option.
The Ross Procedure
When the native valve cannot be preserved. The pulmonary autograft, patient selection and consequences for a lifetime.
What If Repair Is Not Possible?
Repair, Ross or replacement? Judge the tissue, the anatomy and the patient. Commit to a strategy before the outcome.
Replace when you must.
Perspectives in Complex Aortic Reconstruction
Beyond the valve.
Homograft Solutions
For thoracic and abdominal aortic reconstruction.
Controlling Abdominal Aortic Graft Infection
With silver-coated prostheses.
Panel Discussion
Surgical decision-making and technical considerations.
Conclusions and Closing Remarks
What must last for the patient's lifetime.
Clinical case discussions
Real anonymised clinical cases. The operation and outcome stay hidden until faculty and audience have committed to a plan.
The valve
History, echocardiography, CT and measurements, in sequence.
The decision
Faculty and audience commit to a strategy, with reasons.
The expected outcome
What was done, what happened, and the principle it teaches.
- 01Repair or replace?
- 02What exactly needs correcting?
- 03Valve, root, or both?
- 04What is an acceptable result?
- 05Would the outcome change the plan?
Measure the geometry. Understand the mechanism. Then decide.
Directors
Programme Director
Course Director
Course Director
Course DirectorWho should attend
The surgical team
- Consultant cardiac surgeons
- Surgical trainees and fellows
- Aortic valve surgeons
- Theatre and perfusion teams
The heart team
- Cardiologists and valve clinics
- Echocardiographers
- Cardiac anaesthetists
- Cardiac radiologists
- Adult congenital cardiologists
Beyond theatre
- Industry clinical specialists
- Researchers and academic fellows
- Service leads and commissioners
- Medical students
Before the day
- Registration
- Free. Open until the end of the masterclass.
- Platform
- Live sessions are shown on the Millbrook Hub app, operated by CrowdComms. Watch on phone or desktop in your web browser, or use the app. Nothing to install.
- Joining instructions
- Your Millbrook Hub login is sent as soon as you register, and we'll send reminders before the event.
- Recordings
- On demand on this website for six weeks, for registered delegates. We'll email you when they are available.
- CPD
- To be confirmed. If awarded, live attendance and on-demand viewing both count.
- Certificate
- Issued after the six-week on-demand viewing period has ended.
Masterclass 1: Repair. Ross. Replace.
Wednesday 24 February 2027 · 09:00–16:00 UK time (GMT) · Free registration
Register