Morphometric Analysis of Aortic and Pulmonary Orifices and their Valvular Components: A Cadaveric Study with Clinical Implications

Background: For the success of cardiovascular surgeries such as the Ross procedure, transcatheter valve interventions, and the designing of prosthetic valves detailed morphometric knowledge of the aortic and pulmonary orifices, including their semilunar valves, is crucial. This study aims to provide a comprehensive morphometric analysis of the aortic and pulmonary roots and their valvular components in human cadaveric hearts. Material and Methods: A descriptive observational study was conducted on 30 adult human formalin-fixed cadaveric hearts. Measurements of the aortic and pulmonary orifices were taken using a measuring scale and thread. Parameters recorded included internal circumference, external circumference, and dimensions of the semilunar cusps (depth and lunule dimensions). Results: The mean internal and external circumferences of the aortic orifice were [6.68cm] ± 1.658cm SD]] mm and [[8.56cm] ± [1.48cm] mm, respectively. For the pulmonary orifice, the internal and external circumferences were [6.14cm] ± [0.95cm SD] mm and [[8.21cm] ± [1.12] cm] mm. The average depth of the aortic cusps was [[1.15cm] ± [0.17]] compared to [1.13cm] ± [0.129] for the pulmonary cusps. The average depth of the aortic lunule was [1.05cm] ± [0.15] cm]] compared is [1.08cm] ± [0.146] cm for the pulmonary lunule. The differences in dimensions between the aortic and pulmonary parameters were analyzed using the paired Student's t-test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Conclusion: The pulmonary orifice and its cusps exhibit specific dimensional relationships with the aortic orifice. Precise anatomical baseline data provided in this study is vital for cardiothoracic surgeons to prevent sizing mismatches during valve replacement and reconstructive surgeries.

Keywords: Aortic orifice & Valve, Pulmonary orifice & Valve, Coronary ostia, Ross Procedure, Morphometry, Anatomy, Cadaver, Indians, Semilunar Cusps.