Regional Leadership in Advanced Aortic Root Surgery

At AHN Cardiovascular Institute, the Aortic Disease Program combines surveillance, individualized decision-making, and advanced surgical expertise to treat all types of aortic root disease. Early, thoughtful intervention can not only halt progression, but in many cases, improve or even reverse cardiac dysfunction in patients.

Expanding access to advanced surgical options

AHN is the only health system between Cleveland and Philadelphia offering the complete range of advanced aortic root procedures, with approaches designed to optimize patient outcomes and minimize invasiveness compared to traditional surgery. These specialized techniques support smaller incisions, reduced surgical trauma, faster recovery times, and lower rates of complications, and include:

• Ross procedure for younger patients with aortic stenosis who wish to avoid lifelong anticoagulation.
• David procedure (Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Replacement) to preserve the native valve in appropriate patients with root-driven pathology.
• Florida Sleeve repair to stabilize root dilation and reduce regurgitation without replacing the native valve.
• Modified Bentall procedure when both the valve and root require replacement.

Early surgical correction of valve-driven or root-driven pathology can halt progression, and in select patients, restore ventricular performance. Though not every patient is a candidate for complex valve-sparing strategies, AHN has the expertise and surgical depth to offer them safely when appropriate.

“We take a patient-centered approach to determine the best procedure, carefully considering long-term outcomes and lifestyle factors, including the potential to avoid lifelong anticoagulation,” said Aryan Meknat, MD.

Comprehensive care that optimizes patient outcomes

While aortic root surgery remains open heart surgery, Dr. Meknat emphasizes that recovery is approached deliberately and individually. Postoperative strategies designed to support outcomes include:

• Clear expectation-setting to align recovery timelines with lifestyle goals.
• Sternal plating to reinforce the closure following sternotomy.
• Cryo nerve blocks for enhanced pain control.

Though surgical capability is a hallmark of the program, surveillance is equally central for patients with or at an increased risk for aortic diseases. Many referrals result in reassurance and a structured monitoring plan when surgery is not yet indicated — reducing patient anxiety while ensuring timely intervention if progression occurs.

How to refer

AHN’s Aortic Disease Program multidisciplinary team manages the entire spectrum of aortic pathology — including the aortic root, ascending aorta, arch, and descending thoracic aorta — with all medical and surgical care coordinated in-house for continuity and efficiency.

To refer your patient, contact AHN Cardiovascular Institute directly by phone at 412-359-8200 or fax the referral to 412-359-8222. For expedited referrals, you may email Aryan.Meknat@ahn.org.