title: A technique for adequate coverage of the proximal suture line during abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.
abstract: The proximal suture line is a vulnerable area after abdominal aortic aneurysm repairs. This area has been implicated in various postoperative complications, such as pseudoaneurysm formation, graft-enteric fistula, and suture line disruption. We present a technique that provides safe and adequate coverage of this suture line by using the aneurysm sac. This technique is derived from the z-plasty technique used for scar revision. The technique is illustrated with detailed line drawings. None of the patients in whom we used this technique have had any complications related to the proximal suture line.
authors.affiliation: Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville 22908, USA.
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Kaza
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Cope
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Kern
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Cassada
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Long
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Fiser
authors.forename: I L
authors.initials: IL
authors.lastname: Kron
authors.forename: C G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Tribble
mesh_terms: D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D013536:Suture Techniques