History of reconstructive surgery of aorta and aortic valve

Surgery of the aorta remains the most difficult and most dynamic part of cardiovascular surgery. Aortic aneurysm surgery had passed through several stages: from non-reconstructive, when the improvised tools were used to decrease the risk of aorta-related complications, to endovascular one. Aortic valve surgery being the essential part of aortic surgery developed dramatically as well. However, open procedures still remain the gold standard for aortic surgery. Visceral protection methods and devices develop. The review follows main achievements for reconstructive surgery of aortic diseases and aortic valve lesions. It elucidates only vital and successful procedures performed by outstanding specialists for the first time. Moreover, the contribution of Soviet and Russian surgeons is shown.