Valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSRR) is a heart surgery that repairs an enlarged aortic root (the area where the aorta connects to your heart) while keeping your own healthy aortic valve. The surgery may be needed because of an aneurysm, a leakage, or a connective tissue disorder like Marfan syndrome. VSRR is sometimes called the David procedure.

VSRR is different from the usual aortic root surgery, which replaces the root and gives you a human-made valve. One major benefit of VSRR is that having your own aortic valve means you'll be less likely to need a medicine called an anticoagulant to prevent blood clots long-term.

You'll be asleep for this surgery. The doctor will lower your body temperature to help protect your organs during the surgery.

The doctor will make a cut (incision) in the skin over your breastbone (sternum) and then open the sternum to reach your heart. You will be connected to a heart-lung bypass machine. It does the work of your heart and lungs during the surgery. This machine allows the doctor to stop your heartbeat while the surgery team works on your heart.

Once your heart is stopped, the damaged part of the aorta is removed. With the aortic valve exposed, the doctor can decide if it's healthy enough to keep or if it should be replaced with a human-made valve. If your valve is healthy enough to keep, the doctor removes it and sews a tube (graft) onto the heart. Then your valve is sewn inside the tube. The valve is tested to make sure it will work well. Then the other end of the tube is attached to the aorta.

Your heartbeat is restarted and your body is warmed up. The doctor may use wire to close your sternum. Your incision is closed with stitches or staples. The wire will stay in your chest. The incision will leave a scar that may fade with time.

The surgery may take 3 to 5 hours or longer.

You may stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) for 1 or 2 days. Then you may move to a regular care unit. Your total hospital stay may be 5 to 8 days.

After surgery, you may need to take medicine to prevent blood clots (an anticoagulant) for a couple of months while you’re healing.

You'll probably be able to do many of your usual activities after 4 to 6 weeks. For at least 6 weeks, avoid lifting anything that would make you strain. This may include things like heavy grocery bags, a heavy briefcase or backpack, a vacuum cleaner, or a child. Ask your doctor when it’s okay to drive.

You may need to take 6 to 12 weeks off from work. It depends on the type of work you do and how you feel.

Your doctor may suggest that you attend a cardiac rehab program. In cardiac rehab, a team of health professionals provides exercise counseling and training, education, and support to help you recover and prevent problems with your heart. Ask your doctor if rehab is right for you.