A technique for adequate coverage of the proximal suture line during abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

The proximal suture Une is a vulnerable area after abdominal aortic aneurys m repairs. This area has been implicated in various postoperative complicat ions, such as pseudoaneurysm formation, graft-enteric fistula, and suture l ine disruption. We present a technique that provides safe and adequate cove rage of this suture line by using the aneurysm sac. This technique is deriv ed from the z-plasty technique used for scar revision. The technique is ill ustrated with detailed line drawings. None of the patients in whom we used this technique have had any complications related to the proximal suture li ne.