A new ultrasonic process for a renewal of aortic valve decalcification

BACKGROUND Aortic valve decalcification by ultrasound was given up. We evaluated a new ultrasound microhandpiece (Dissectron Penstyle) to rehabilitate this alternative treatment. METHODS We used under magnifying lenses the ultrasound microhandpiece to decalcify 30 explanted aortic valves. In the cases with embedded calcifications the thin top of the probe could be introduced into the thickness of the leaflet preserving covering layers. RESULTS The leaflets were totally decalcified and flexible, and surrounding structures were preserved as assessed by histological examination. CONCLUSION This new approach of ultrasonic aortic valve decalcification gives good in vitro results which allow to consider a clinical evaluation of this procedure.