Ozaki / AVNeo Procedure: What Should Patients Know?

- There are many different treatment options for patients needing aortic valve surgery due to diseases including aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation and bicuspid aortic valve. While patients may be familiar with aortic valve repair, aortic valve replacement, and the Ross Procedure, a lesser-known form or aortic valve surgery is called the Ozaki Procedure, also known as the AVNeo (Aortic Valve Neocuspization) operation. In this video, Dr. Douglas Johnston, Chief of Cardiac Surgery at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, Illinois, addresses new research and clinical findings specific to the Ozaki Procedure. In addition, Dr. Johnston addresses patient considerations relative to the Ozaki Procedure including heart anatomy, cardiac function, aneurysms, mechanical valves, and pregnancy. During the Ozaki Procedure, new aortic valve replacement leaflets are made from the patient’s own pericardium (tissue lining of the heart) and then sewn back into the aortic valve. As a result, the patient does not need any foreign material (mechanical or tissue valve) implanted in the heart. To contact Dr. Johnston for an appointment or second opinion, please call (312) 757-8837 or visit