The document discusses the challenges of repairing bicuspid aortic valves (BAV) in cardiothoracic surgery, questioning whether all cases could be treated as effectively as mitral valve repairs. It highlights the genetic aspects of BAV, noting its autosomal dominant inheritance and prevalence in familial cases. The causal genes remain largely unidentified, with Notch1 mentioned as a potential factor.

1. Predictors of Failure in
Bicuspid Aortic Valve Repair

2. The key overall conceptual question in
front of the cardiothoracic surgical
community is:
Can we repair virtually every pure
BAV AI presentation as we
presently perform in the mitral
valve repair arena?

4. BAV - Pathogenesis
Genetics
• Autosomal dominant, variable penetrance
• 9% prevalence in first-degree relatives
• 24% if >1 person affected
• Causal genes largely unknown
• NOTCH1 (9q34.3)

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