Aortic root and aortic valve surgery: history and modernity

Heart valve surgery, including aortic valve surgery, began to develop in the first half of the 20th century with the advancement of reconstructive procedures. Thereafter, the progress of science and technology led to the development of mechanical and biological prostheses, homografts and plastic materials, which continue to improve and transform. This review focuses on the historical aspects of the development of aortic root and aortic valve surgery, mentions the initial interventions and presents the contributions of Soviet and Russian surgeons to global surgery. The article will be interesting to cardiovascular surgery specialists as well as a wide range of readers who intend to learn more regarding the history of medicine and cardiovascular surgery.