Surgeon Q&A: Treating Aneurysms, Bicuspid Aortic Valves and Connective Tissue Disorders

When patients have a dual diagnosis of bicuspid aortic valve and a connective tissue disorder, it can have a consequential impact on the cardiovascular system. A bicuspid aortic valve is a congenital condition characterized by the aortic valve having only two leaflets, rather than the normal three-leaflet formation, which can lead to aortic stenosis, regurgitation, and aneurysm due to the resulting abnormal blood flow. In some connective tissue disorders, genetic mutation can cause structural weaknesses, particularly to the aorta and the aortic wall. The combination of these two conditions can significantly compromise the aorta over time.

We recently received a patient question from Lily, who brings attention to this vital topic of connective tissue disorders and bicuspid aortic valves. Lily asks, “I have a connective tissue disorder. Are people with bicuspid aortic valves more susceptible to additional aneurysms throughout their bodies?” Adam Pick, founder of HeartValveSurgery.com, met with Dr. Chris Malaisrie, a leading cardiac surgeon at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, Illinois, to answer Lily’s question.

Facts About Bicuspid Aortic Valves, Connective Tissue Disorders and Aneurysms

Here are the key insights shared by Dr. Malaisrie:

• The location of aneurysms is essential. “Patients with bicuspid aortic valve are susceptible to having aneurysms in other parts of the body, not only the aorta, but also the branches off the aorta,” said Dr. Malaisrie. He explained that it’s important to use diagnostic testing to find out where the aneurysms coexist so they can be treated. “For bicuspid valves, the aneurysm usually exists in the ascending aorta as the aorta comes out of the heart,” he said. “We can fix the aortic valve and replace that aneurysmal part of the aorta.”

• How do you and your team fix an aneurysm in the aorta? “The aneurysm is not repaired; it is actually resected,” he said. “We completely take out that diseased part of the aorta and in its place, we put a Dacron graft, which is a pre-manufactured plastic tube.”

Thanks Dr. Malaisrie and Northwestern Medicine!

On behalf of all the patients in our community, thank you, Dr. Chris Malaisrie, for everything you and your team are doing at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, Illinois!

Related links:

• See 50+ Patient Reviews for Dr. Malaisrie
• Tom’s Aortic Aneurysm & Heart Valve Success Story
• Doctor Q&A: Can Aortic Aneurysms Can Be Repaired Via Catheter?

Keep on tickin,
Adam

P.S. For the deaf and hard-of-hearing members of our patient community, we have provided a written transcript of our interview with Dr. Malaisrie below.