NEW TECHNIQUE FOR IMPROVING HEMOSTASIS IN AORTIC ROOT REPLACEMENT WITH COMPOSITE GRAFT

By using both aortic annular and supraannular aortic wall tandem sutur e lines, we have, in our experience, markedly improved hemostasis in a ortic root replacement with composite conduits of two types. Using thi s technique, 4 of 5 patients required 2 units or less of transfused re d blood cells. Two patients did not receive transfusions. The techniqu e consists of using interrupted mattress sutures to anchor the lower p art of the valve sewing ring to the aortic annulus. The upper part of the sewing ring is then anchored with a running suture line to the cut edge of the supraannular aortic wall.