Composite valved apico-aortic conduits for left ventricular outflow obstruction.

Problems related to the left ventricular outflow tract are not always amenable to conven— tional surgical metiuxis. and in some cases may be solved with the creation of a double ouclet left ventricle, using a composite rigid pyrolitc lcÍt ventricular apex outlet prosthcsis and a fabric valve-containing conduit. The prilnary indicacion for apico—aortic conduirs is severe left ventricular outlet obstruc— tion that is not correctable by conventional surgical tecliniques. Failure to relieve ventricular hypertension causes persistent physiologic derangements that include increased left ventricu lar work and oxygen consumption. decreased cardiac output. and compromise of coronary perfusion. Our clinical experience in excess of -18 months with valved .ipicoaortic ccinduits for primaty or recurrenr left ventricular outflow rract obstructions has been promising and is described in this report.