Long-term size follow-up of knitted Dacron grafts (Gelseal™) used in the ascending aorta.

There is limited information about the size change of a knitted Dacron graft (Gelseal™) used in the thoracic aorta. We evaluated the diameters of the Gelseal™ grafts at a long-term follow-up for 3.7 ± 1.3 years (1-5.9 years; median, 4.0 years), which were used for replacement of the ascending aorta in 59 patients with acute aortic dissection. The early and late dilatation rates (LDRs) of the prosthetic grafts were calculated retrospectively based on the graft diameter at the level equivalent to the ascending aorta on the pre-discharge computed tomography (CT) scans and follow-up CT scans performed every year after surgery. Immediately after surgery (15 ± 7 days), the early dilatation of the Gelseal™ grafts was 26.0 ± 6.0% with significant correlations with the number of post-operative days (R = 0.500, P = 0.003). At the follow-up for 3.7 ± 1.3 years, the LDR was 10.5 ± 6.6%, which was also significantly correlated with the number of the post-operative years (R = 0.608, P = 0.001). Linear regression analysis indicated that the annual dilatation rate was ≈ 3.23%. During the follow-up, we have experienced no redo surgery due to graft fracture or false aneurysm formation at the anastomosis sites associated with the graft dilatation. In conclusion, the Gelseal™ graft used in the ascending aorta demonstrates a small but continuous increase in the diameter, up to 5 years after implantation, without any adverse events.