THERE have been many published reports dealing with the surgical management of aortic stenosis since Tuffier, in 1913, first attempted to correct this defect by invagination of the aortic wall and dilatation of the aortic valve. A number of "closed" and "open" technics have been described. In general they have been characterized by high operative mortality, inconsistent relief of stenosis and the production of significant degrees of aortic regurgitation. The purpose of this report is to present our opinions, which are the product of a series of perfusion studies in the autopsy room, a limited and unsatisfactory experience with "closed" . . .