Improving hemostasis during replacement of the ascending aorta and aortic valve with a composite graft

The use of a composite graft is an established treatment for patients with aortic valve disease and ascending aortic aneurysms. Since bleeding from suture lines is a potential complication of this procedure, we modified the technique and evaluated the effect on hemostasis. From January 1994 through December 1998, 35 patients underwent composite aortic graft replacement for chronic aortic disease. In the first 16 patients (Group 1), we used the standard open technique, with excision of the aortic aneurysm and anastomosis of aortic buttons containing the coronary ostia to the vascular graft. In the next 19 patients (Group 2), we modified the technique by placing an additional suture at the proximal graft anastomosis and harvesting large coronary buttons that were then attached to the graft by an 'endo-button' buttress method. There were no operative deaths; the actuarial survival rate at 36 months was 92% ± 5%. Between groups 1 and 2, a significant difference was found in postoperative bleeding (1,052 ± 433 mL vs 806 ± 257 mL, respectively; p = 0.02) and in number of blood transfusions required (2.1 ± 2.0 units vs 0.4 ± 0.7 units, respectively; p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis showed that the surgical technique used in Group 1 was the only independent risk factor for postoperative bleeding of 1,000 mL or more (p = 0.01) and for transfusion requirements of 3 or more units of blood (p = 0.004). Composite aortic valve and root replacement can be accomplished with excellent resuits. Technical modifications may reduce bleeding complications and related morbidity significantly.