Free Margin Length and Geometric Height in Aortic Root Dilatation and Leaflet Prolapse: Implications for Aortic Valve Repair Surgery

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of free margin length and geometric height in normal aortic valves and aortic dilatation. 
This study prospectively acquired these measurements within 132 patients, who were operated on for aortic insufficiency, aortic dilatation, endocarditis, or fibroelastoma. Patients with aortic dilatation and leaflet prolapse showed significantly larger free margin length and geometric height compared to patients with normal aortic valve function.
The authors concluded that these measurements provide a new point of view into the pathomorphology of the aortic valve and might support new aortic valve repair methods.