Dr. Nicholas T. Kouchoukos of St. Louis, known through out the world for the quality
and integrity of his work, is the 2006 recipient of the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation
Distinguished Scientist Award. When the award was presented, Dr.
Randall Griepp and Dr. Sharo Raissi both spoke of the wonderful contributions
Dr. Kouchoukos' has made to aortic surgery.
In speaking of the great breadth of Dr. Kouchoukos' contributions in an era
which has seen tremendous progress, Dr. Randall Griepp pointed to one particular
achievement of special importance for those with bicuspid aortic valve disease:
the "button" Bentall operation.
One of the challenges of
surgery on the aorta in the chest involves the root, where the coronary arteries
branch off to supply blood to the heart. Dr. Griepp mentioned that the original
Bentall technique for the aortic root, developed by Bentall and Edwards, did
not find wide application. It was not until Dr. Kouchoukos' development of a "button"
technique that this operation could be readily adopted by others. Learning
from him, surgeons around the world have used this button Bentall technique
to achieve a durable surgery on the aortic root.
It was the dawn of
a very hopeful day for those with BAVD and other conditions that may require
complete replacement of the aortic root.
Following is a link to an
abstract of Dr. Kouchoukos' work, published in 1977 in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery
Surgery on the Descending Aorta Using Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest
Dr. Sharo Raissi particularly highlighted Dr. Kouchoukos' pioneering work in
extending the use of hypothermic circulatory arrest to protect the spinal
cord during surgery on the descending aorta.
In speaking of his
personal experience with this technique, Dr. Raissi said, "We lived it, and as
we grew up, you taught us how to protect the spinal cord. How to be brave and extend
hypothermic circulatory arrest to the descending aorta." Dr. Raissi mentioned
that many questioned whether this would work, but in his own practice it has
proven to be just what was needed, resulting in a clear improvement in survival,
reduction of paraplegia, and elimination of kidney failure. Dr. Raissi ended
by saying, "We lived your teachings, and through out many years, indirectly
we all have benefited from you, and the patients have benefited from you."
"Presented to Nicholas T. Kouchoukos, MD, in recognition of his numerous pioneering
contributions, leadership, and dedication in advancing the treatment of thoracic
aortic disease"
From approximately 1960 to the present, the medical literature
bears witness to Dr. Kouchoukos' achievements. Following is a link to a recent
publication
The Bicuspid Aortic Foundation is deeply grateful to Dr. Kouchoukos for
his many years of dedication and innovation in aortic surgery. We are also grateful
for his support of the Foundation's mission.
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For families and medical professionals,
by families and medical
professionals
Creating a climate of hope, an atmosphere of caring, and a source of information for
all who are touched by thoracic aortic disease and the medical professionals
who care for them.
