A new method to treat fusiform aneurysms of the ascending aorta associated with aortic valve disease: an alternative to radical resection.

A new method designed to deal with special forms of fusiform aneurysms of the ascending aorta associated with aortic valve disease is presented. The procedure consists of replacing the aortic valve, decreasing the aortic diameter by excision of an oval segment, placing a well-tailored Dacron vascular graft around the ascending aorta, and anchoring it with previously placed sutures driven through the sewing ring of the valve prosthesis through the aortic wall. The technique has been applied in 6 patients with postoperative observation ranging from six weeks to two and a half years. Technically the operation was carried out without difficulty, and all the patients are doing well.