A new vascular ring connector in surgery for aortic dissection.
OBJECTIVE
To improve the surgical results of aortic dissection, we used a novel vascular ring connector for anastomosis.


METHODS
The vascular ring connector is a titanic ring used as a stent in the vascular graft to achieve a quick, blood-sealed, and sutureless anastomosis. From November 2007 to December 2008, 19 consecutive patients (age range 36-77 years; 16 male and 3 female) with aortic dissection underwent open surgery. All patients received aortic reconstruction with vascular grafts (including 5 cases of arch replacement). The combined procedures were 5 Bentall and 4 coronary artery bypass graft operations.


RESULTS
There were no significant blood leaks from the anastomotic sites. The time required for each anastomosis was 1 to 2 minutes. All patients were discharged uneventfully and are still doing well after a follow-up period of 1 to 12 months.


CONCLUSIONS
The vascular ring connector may improve the early surgical results of aortic dissection by reducing both the time for anastomosis and the risk of bleeding and may be an alternative technique for aortic reconstruction. Its usefulness in the routine treatment of aortic dissection warrants further evaluation.
Wei
Jeng
J
Heart Center, Cheng-Hsin Rehabilitation Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan. jengwei@mac.com
Chang
Chung-Yi
CY
Chuang
Yi-Cheng
YC
Sue
Sung-How
SH
Lee
Kuo-Chen
KC
Tung
David
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation; D000784:Aortic Dissection / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D001022:Aortic Valve Insufficiency / Q000601:surgery; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / Q000379:methods; D002315:Cardiopulmonary Bypass; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015607:Stents; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014025:Titanium
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D014025:Titanium