To evaluate the effectiveness of tailoring aortoplasty used to treat f
usiform aneurysms of the ascending aorta, we reviewed the results of o
peration in 17 patients. Nine patients had tailoring aortoplasty alone
, and 8 patients had aortoplasty with Dacron wrap of the ascending aor
ta. Fourteen of 17 patients were discharged from the hospital, and 12
patients were alive at follow-up between 2 and 120 months. Of two late
deaths, neither was due to aneurysmal disease. Actuarial survival at
1 and 10 years was 81% and 63%, respectively. In selected cases, tailo
ring aortoplasty can achieve long-term results comparable with those o
f resection and graft replacement of fusiform ascending aortic aneurys
ms.