Total root replacement (or the Bentall operation) is one of the standard aortic root replacement operations for those with a dilated or dissected aorta.
This major surgery removes the ascending aorta and its aortic valve which are replaced with an artificial fabric graft and mechanical valve.
Following surgery, the patient needs to take anticoagulant drugs for the rest of his or her life to prevent clot formation on the graft/valve.