Method for creation of the aortotomy site for saphenous vein grafts.
Saphenous vein coronary artery bypass grafting requires a proximal anastomosis of the vein to the aorta. A variety of techniques have been described to create the aortotomy. We have developed a four-sided knife (Xcision Scalpel; patent pending, Research Medical, Inc, Midvale, UT) that facilitates the creation of a more uniform circular aortotomy. The purpose of this communication is to describe the knife and the technique for its use.
Alexander
J C
JC
Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Evanston Hospital, Illinois 60201, USA.
Votapka
T V
TV
Curran
R D
RD
Unger
J M
JM
Hillman
N D
ND
D001011:Aorta / Q000601:surgery*; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000637:transplantation*