Reinforcement of suture lines with aortic eversion in aortic replacement

BACKGROUND: In this study, we describe the technique of eversion of the native aortic tissue to prevent suture line complications, and report on our results with this technique. METHODS: A total of 42 patients who were operated on due to aortic aneurysm were retrospectively assessed. In all patients, an aortic segment of approximately 2 cm, which was left both distally and proximally, was everted to form a doublelayer lumen and the grafts were anastomosed. Postoperative outcomes and long-term follow-up results were assessed. RESULTS: Aortic root replacement was done in 14 cases and eight subjects underwent concurrent coronary artery bypass surgery. Postoperatively, the average volume of the drainage was 375 ± 75 ml, and there were no re-operations. Twentyseven patients required blood transfusion. CONCLUSION: Reinforcement of the anastomosis line via eversion of the native aortic tissue reduced peri-operative blood loss and pseudo-aneurysm and infection, with the advantage of using viable tissue.