An effective method for improving hemostasis in aortic root replacement with a composite graft

Hemostasis during aortic root replacement with a composite graft, consistin g of a separate Dacron graft and a valve, was markedly improved by using a supra-annular aortic wall reinforcing suture (SAWR). Between February 1994 and January 1998, 14 consecutive patients (10 men and 4 women) underwent re placement of the aortic valve and ascending aorta with the SAWR technique. No intraoperative bleeding of the aortic proximal suture line or early deat h occurred in this group. No patient required reoperation for bleeding of a nastomoses. Three of 10 patients who underwent elective operations were ope rated on successfully without blood transfusion. In addition, no clinical c omplications related to the SAWR technique were observed in the follow-up p eriod. We conclude that the SAWR technique can be performed easily and may be an effective method for improving proximal hemostasis.