The second-generation aortic connector: six months' angiographic follow-up.
OBJECTIVE
Recently, new mechanical anastomotic devices have been developed. Initial results appear to be equivalent to those obtained with suture. The aim of the study was to evaluate the 6-month angiographic patency and clinical results with the St. Jude Medical second-generation aortic connector for proximal aortosaphenous graft anastomosis.


METHODS
From September 2002 to June 2003, 45 connectors were implanted in 39 patients. Thirty-three patients with 36 connectors underwent 6-month angiographic and clinical follow-up.


RESULTS
One connector had an early occlusion and 2 connectors and 1 vein graft were occluded at 6-month angiography, for a patency rate of 88.9% (32 of 36). No device-related complications were detected at 6-month follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
The second-generation aortic connector is safe and easy to use. Preliminary results show no device-related complications and a satisfactory 6-month angiographic patency.
Setina
Marek
M
Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Ceske Budejovice Hospital, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic. setina@nemcb.cz
Krchnakova
Adriana
A
Mokracek
Ales
A
Pesl
Ladislav
L
Bonilla
Luis F
LF
D000368:Aged; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation; D000792:Angiography; D001011:Aorta / Q000601:surgery*; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000637:transplantation*; D014654:Vascular Patency