The Freestyle® prosthesis (Medtronic plc, Dublin, Ireland) is a biological, porcine aortic root implanted in various combinations and techniques since the 1990s. The main indication for the choice of this prosthesis is a combined pathology with degenerated aortic valve and additional dilatation of the root often involving the ascending aorta. The Freestyle® prosthesis is also used in cases of dissection of the ascending aorta with the involvement of the aortic valve, which opens the debate on how far the ascending aorta should be replaced for a sustainable solution with calculable low periprocedural risk. Considering a lower intraoperative risk in the life-threatening situation, an extended resection of the aorta can be avoided and only the aortic root replaced with a piece of ascending aorta. On the contrary, focusing on improved long-term outcome, the technique of total arch replacement in aortic dissection was developed in emergency situations with acceptable results, which, however, were often reproducible only in large, experienced centers. Apart from the abovementioned options, the technique of proximal arch replacement can provide a tension-free anastomosis. The intention of hemiarch replacement is the attachment of the prosthesis to an aneurysm-free portion of the aortic arch helping to protect against further anastomotic aneurysms and spare the patient complex reoperation or interventional procedures in the future. As a possible drawback of the technique, especially in emergency situations, the potentially prolonged duration of surgery and the need of selective brain perfusion via axillary or carotid artery are discussed increasing the risk of stroke and further major events, which could not be reflected in current literature. However, there is still no convincing evidence of a long-term benefit in terms of re-operation and survival after hemiarch replacement. The aim of this retrospective analysis was to assess the mid-term outcome of the biological Freestyle® prosthesis in combination with operations on the ascending aorta and the aortic arch with regard to prosthetic performance, reoperations, stroke and death.
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
In-hospital mortality
Timeframe: 30 days after initial operation
Major and minor in-hospital complications
Timeframe: 30 days after initial operation
Valve performance
Timeframe: earliest to longest follow up (longest follow up period of 10 years)