Is Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Available to Patients with a Dacron Graft?
Written By: Allison DeMajistre, BSN, RN, CCRN
Medical Expert: Ibrahim Sultan, MD, Chief of Cardiac Surgery, UPMC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Reviewed By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Published: May 15, 2025
Cardiac surgeons commonly use a Dacron graft to reconstruct or replace sections of the aorta for aneurysms or dissections. Many patients with an aortic aneurysm also have aortic valve defects and a Dacron graft can be used during a valve replacement or a valve repair procedure.
Dacron is an ideal material that can maintain its structure under high-pressure arterial flow. In addition, Dacron’s compatibility with the body results in a low risk of infection and rejection. An aortic aneurysm repair with a Dacron graft can potentially last for decades. However, when the aortic valve is replaced during aneurysm repair, the tissue valve may not have the same sustainability as the Dacron graft and a re-replacement may be necessary.
We received an interesting patient question from Dennis, who is facing this situation. Dennis asked, “I have a bovine pericardial valve and a Dacron aortic graft. I would like to know if a TAVR is available to me or if a surgical aortic valve replacement remains the lowest risk option for me in a reoperation?”
To answer Dennis’ question, we were thrilled to meet with Dr. Ibrahim Sultan while attending the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Conference. Dr. Sultan is the Chief of Cardiac Surgery at UPMC in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializing in aortic aneurysm and heart valve repair and replacement surgery.
Facts About TAVR for Patients with a Dacron Graft
Here are the key insights shared by Dr. Sultan:
- Sultan told us that Dennis asked a great question at the STS conference. He added, “First of all, this question is music to our ears because it shows that the message delivered through the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Conference is reaching patients, and that’s what we really want.”
- A treatment decision regarding TAVR for a patient with a Dacron graft requires an assessment of Dennis and his valve. “A lot of this depends on how old Dennis is, how long ago his operation was, how big his valve size is, and what his graft looks like,” said Dr. Sultan.
- A TAVR valve-in-valve procedure may be an optimal option for patients. “If we were to do a CT scan on Dennis and see that his surgical valve is large enough and he is in his 70s or 80s, I think a TAVR valve-in-valve option could be a phenomenal option for him. Now, if he’s much younger than that, or if his valve size is small, I would strongly consider open heart surgery again. There are some nuances, but in theory, either is possible with very good results.”
Thanks Dr. Sultan and UPMC!
On behalf of all the patients in our community, thank you, Dr. Ibrahim Sultan, for everything you and your team are doing at UPMC in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania!
Related links:
- See Dr. Ibrahim’s Interactive Surgeon Profile
- Explore UPMC’s Heart Valve Microsite
- Learn More About Timing Bicuspid Aortic Valve & Aortic Aneurysm Surgery
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. Sultan below.
Written by Adam Pick
- Patient & Website Founder
Video Transcript:
Adam Pick: Hi everybody, itt’s Adam with HeartValveSurgery.com and we are in Los Angeles, California at the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Conference. I am thrilled to be joined by Dr. Ibrahim Sultan, who is the Chief of Cardiac Surgery at UPMC in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Sultan, it is great to see you again and thanks for being with me.
Dr. Ibrahim Sultan: Thank you, Adam.
Adam Pick: We’re here at STS and we’re learning all this great new research and data about treatment options for valvular therapy. We’re also getting questions from patients all over the world like Dennis. Dennis asks, and it’s right in your specialty, “Hi Adam, I have a bovine pericardial valve and a Dacron aortic graft. I would like to know if a TAVR is available to me? Or if a surgical aortic valve remains the lowest risk option for me in a reoperation?”
Dr. Ibrahim Sultan: Great question by Dennis. First of all, this is music to our ears that, or the message that has been delivered through the STS is reaching patients because that’s really what we want. Now, a lot of this depends on how old Dennis is, ago his operation was, how big his valve size is. and what that graph looks like.
If we were to do a CT scan on Dennis and see that his valve is large enough, his surgical valve, and if he happens to be in his 70s or 80s, I think a TAVR valve-in-valve option could be a phenomenal option for him. Now, if he’s much younger than that, or if his valve size is small, I would strongly consider open heart surgery again.
There’s some nuances there, but in theory, either is possible with very good results.
Adam Pick: Great. Dennis, I hope that helped you. I know it helped me and Dr. Sultan on behalf of Dennis. Patients all over the world, thanks so much to you and your team at UPNC in Pittsburgh for all the great work you’re doing.
Thanks for being with me today.
Dr. Ibrahim Sultan: Great. Thank you, Adam.
