The "eaves" technique for distal anastomosis in aortic arch replacement.

We describe the "eaves" technique, a new method for distal anastomosis in aortic arch replacement. The 1-cm wide eaves were created at the site 3 to 4 cm distal to the graft end. The graft was bound with vessel tape from the eaves to the site proximal to the origin of the first branch to make a working space above the eaves and to facilitate graft handling. Then the native descending aorta was sutured to the eaves easily. The eaves enabled a greater surface contact area between the graft and the inner wall of the aorta and reduced bleeding at the anastomosis.