What is Valsalva sinus?

Developmental Anatomy The Valsalva sinuses are three subtle dilatations of the aortic root wall that arise between the aortic valve annulus and the sinotubular ridge. Each sinus is associated with a corresponding right, left, or noncoronary aortic valve cusp. (Fig 1).

What is the function of the sinus of Valsalva?

When the cardiac output is increased to greater than the resting physiologic values, the presence of sinuses of Valsalva, independently of root compliance, prevents an increase in the pressure decrease across the valve by way of an increase of the effective orifice area.

What is rupture of sinus of Valsalva?

A ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) is a rare cardiac abnormality, and is associated with a severe left-to-right shunt if communicating with the right-sided heart chambers. Uncorrected, the rupture almost invariably causes deterioration in heart function.

What is normal size of sinus of Valsalva?

The normal diameter size of sinuses of Valsalva is 29–40 mm (18 ± 2 mm/m2) as it is included in the figure below.

What are the sinuses of the heart?

There are three sinuses in the pericardial space: superior, transverse, and oblique. The two pericardial space sinuses that can be accessed in electrophysiological (EP) procedures are the transverse and oblique sinuses.

What is the role of the aortic sinus?

The sinuses play two very important roles. They provide space behind the open aortic leaflets so that the leaflets do not occlude the coronary artery orifices. Secondly, this space favours the development of eddy currents behind the leaflets when they are open.

When should a sinus Valsalva aneurysm be repaired?

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm repair should be considered when there is a growth rate of more than 0.5 cm/year. Surgical repair entails the use of cardiopulmonary bypass, cardioplegia, and either primary closure or patch closure. Surgical mortality ranges from 1.9% to 3.6%. Survival rates are close to 90% after 15 years.

What are the three aortic sinuses?

The aortic root bulges outwards to form the three sinuses. Two of the aortic sinuses give rise to the main coronary arteries and the sinuses are termed right and left coronary sinuses. The third sinus is conveniently termed the non-coronary aortic sinus.

Where does the sinus of Valsalva come from?

There are usually no signs of an aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva, and it may not be discovered until it ruptures. The sinus of Valsalva, more readily known as the aortic sinus, refers to the three pouches behind the valves of the heart, known as the semilunar valves, which come from the aorta.

How big is a dilated aortic sinus of Valsalva?

a dilated aortic sinus Valsalva of 4.2cm. I am anxious that this means an operation. Everything else was within normal measurements. Read more about… Aneurysms are either monitored or operated on depending on their size.

What is the definition of a sinus of Valsalva aneurysm?

Background 1 Definition. A sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SOVA) is an enlargement of the aortic root area between the aortic valve annulus and the sinotubular ridge. 2 Causes. SOVAs can be either acquired or congenital. 3 Epidemiology. 4 Clinical Consequences.

What are the risks of sinus surgery for Valsalva?

Surgery carries a 1% risk of intra-operative death with higher risks associated with infected aneurysms, and 5- to 10-year survival rates following surgery range from 82-97%. Aneurysms of the sinuses of Valsalva are estimated to affect 0.09% of the population. Rupture of a sinus of Valsalva can occur at any age.