The internal cross-sectional area and the corresponding radius at the level immediately caudally to the renal arteries (Aupper and Rupper) and at the site of the inflated O-rings (Aint and Rint) was calculated from postoperative images of Computed tomography using dedicated software (3Mensio Medical Imaging B.V., Bilthoven, The Netherlands). Accordingly, the difference in the previously mentioned parameters between these areas was recorded. Noninvasive estimation of aPWV was conducted preoperatively and at 1-week and 1-month postoperatively with a brachial cuff-based automatic oscillometric device (Mobil-O-Graph; IEM, Stolberg, Germany).
Aupper was 286, 385, and 286 mm2 for the 3 patients with Aint being 116, 86 and 95 mm2, corresponding to inflow stenosis of 60%, 75%, and 66%, respectively. Accordingly, the radius reduction of the lumen between Rupper and Rint was 35%, 50%, and 60%. aPWV was kept quite constant for all patients 1-week and 1-month postoperatively, ranging 13.2–13.7, 11.4–11.5, and 8.3–8.6 m/sec, respectively.
The inflow restriction caused by the stiff, inflatable O-rings does not necessarily coincide with significant increase of aortic stiffness in the early postoperative period. Furthermore studies with more hemodynamic indices and longer follow-up are needed to delineate the impact of the Ovation's unique structural pattern on central hemodynamics.