DR. MARK J. RUSSO, MD, MS
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(732) 235-7231
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  • Aortic Valve
    • Aortic Stenosis
    • Aortic Insufficiency
    • Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery
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    • Mitral Valve Repair
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    • Aortic Aneurysm Surveillance
    • Valve Sparing Aortic Root
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    • The Aorta >
      • Aortic Valve
      • Aortic Root >
        • Aortic Root Aneurysm
      • Ascending Aorta
      • Aortic Arch >
        • Aortic Arch Aneurysm
      • Descending Aorta >
        • Descending (Thoracic) Aortic Aneurysm
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      • Abdominal Aorta >
        • Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
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Valve Sparing Root (aka David Procedure)
When the aorta is dilated, but the aortic valve is structurally otherwise normal, the aorta can be replaced ("root replacement") while preserving the aortic valve ("valve sparing"). This avoids the need for a valve replacement with an artificial valve.  Thus offering the possibility for a more durable repair, as well as avoiding the potential need for blood thinning medication.

This approach also known as the David Procedure is a significant advance in aortic surgery. It is a highly advanced technique that requires special expertise and equipment. It should only be performed by experienced centers on well-selected patients.


  • Prior to the procedure, our surgical team, along with our cardiovascular imaging experts, carefully assess the valve and aorta to determine if the patient is a candidate for this specialized procedure.
  • In the operating room, the patient is temporarily supported by cardiopulmonary bypass (aka a heart-lung machine), which takes over the function of the heart and lungs.  This is standard for heart and aortic surgery.  
  • After sowing a graft to the axillary artery, the bloodflow is temporary stopped to the heart and the beginning portion of the aorta (aka the aortic root) to allow for the surgery to be performed. In addition, at our center, a special technique of circulating blood to the brain known as antegrade cerebral perfusion (ACP) is used to ensure the brain is protected during crucial portion of the operation
  • Next the diseased aortic tissue is removed
  • Leaving behind only the origins of the coronary arteries  and aortic value leaflets. 
  • The aortic valve is then remodeled within the graft to eliminate leaking. This requires meticulous attention to ensure that the valve, based on its unique height and width, fits perfectly within the graft and any structural abnormalities of the valve are repaired. This ensures that the valve function properly, and the repair is durable. 
  • Then two small holes are created in the graft for reattachment of the coronary arteries--left and right.
  • Finally, the opposite end of the graft is attached to the aortic arch.
Aortic Aneurysm Surveillence
TAVR
Heart Valve Disease
Minimally Invasive Surgery

Ask the Expert
Send your non-urgent questions regarding your aortic,  heart, and vascular conditions via email directly to our expert team of doctors.

Second Opinion Program
Getting a second opinion can provide peace of mind and confidence that you have been diagnosed appropriately and understand of all your treatment options. 

Patient Appointments
Send an email here or please call us at 732-235-7231.

Referrals and Transfers
Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to discuss issues regarding heart and aortic disease as well as to coordinate urgent, emergent and elective transfers at the local, regional, national and international levels. Please call us at 732-235-7231.
Appointment - 732-235-7231
​Patients:   We are committed to providing you with an appointment within 7 days of your request. For your convenience, Telemedicine Consults are available.   If you have questions in the meantime, please   Ask Our Experts.
Patient   Appointments   -  732-235-7231

​ Physicians:   Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a weeks, to assist in the care of your patients and to facilitate urgent, emergent and elective transfers at the local, regional, national and international levels​
RWJUH Transfer Center   -   732-427-5725
About Dr. Russo
Telemedicine
Aortic Aneurysms
Minimally Invasive Surgery
TAVR
Mitraclip
Clinical Trials

2nd Opinion
Ask Dr. Russo
Getting a second opinion can provide peace of mind and confidence that you have been diagnosed appropriately and understand of all your treatment options. 
​Send your non-urgent questions regarding your aortic,  heart, and vascular conditions via email.

Mark J Russo, MD, MS
 Chief, Cardiac Surgery

Director, Structural Heart Disease
Associate Professor of Surgery
​
​Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Robert Wood Johnson
University  Hospital 
​125 Paterson St
​New Brunswick, NJ  ​08901

Office: 732-235-7231
Fax:   
732-235-8963​
Expert in Complex Aortic  Disease, Valve Surgery, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Repalcement (TAVR) , and Mitraclip
Picture
(c) Mark Russo 2020
Dr. Russo performs the full range of cardiac surgery including  Coronary Artery Surgery - Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts; Bypass Surgery;  CABG;  Coronary Artery Surgery; Reoperation; Off Pump Bypass Surgery; Off Pump Heart Surgery; Valve Surgery - Aortic Valve Repair; Aortic Valve Replacement; Mitral Valve Repair; Mitral Valve Replacement ; Reoperatve Heart Valve Surgery;;  Endovascular and Hybrid Aortic Surgery;  Transcatheter Valve Surgery - TAVR, TAVI, ViV, MVIV, valve-in-valve; Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery - Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair; Mitral Valve Replacement; Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Surgery​; Aortic Surgery - Aorta Surgery; Aortic Dissection; Complex Aorta Surgery; Valve Sparing Roots, Heart Surgery for Marfan Syndrome; Aortic Root Aneurysms; Ascending Aortic Aneurysms; Aortic Arch Aneurysms; Descending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms; Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms; Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms; Aortic Dissections, including Type A Dissections and Type B Dissections; Native Aortic and Prosthetic Graft Infections, including Endocarditis; Congenital Aortic Disease, such as Marfan's syndrome and Loeys Dietz; Transplant Surgery - Heart and Lung.  He was trained by Dr. Mehmet Oz and Craig Smith and Eric Rose.  Read about Matt Millen undergoing Heart Transplant