Novel Expansible Aortic Annuloplasty Ring Exhibits Similar Characteristics as the Dacron Ring

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare a novel open aortic annuloplasty ring (the A-ring) with the Dacron ring. The ventricular chamber was coupled to a digitally controlled piston pump (SuperPump AR Series, ViVitro Labs, Victoria, Canada), delivering a pulsatile flow to simulate left ventricular ejection into the aortic root. Overall, the echographic data revealed that both interventions had a downsizing effect on the aortic root, while still maintaining the distensibility comparable to the native condition.