Symmetrical Root Enlargement Following Straight Longitudinal Aortotomy via a Right Anterior Minithoracotomy

Root enlargement via traditional transverse or oblique aortotomy disrupts the anatomical features of smooth continuity and symmetry from the aortic root to the proximal ascending aorta. A straight longitudinal aortotomy, extended vertically into nadir of noncoronary aortic annulus, achieves smooth continuity and symmetrical enlargement from the aortic root to the proximal ascending aorta with a tear-drop-shaped bovine pericardial patch. Herein, we report successful symmetrical root enlargement following straight longitudinal aortotomy via right anterior minithoracotomy.