Applications of artificial blood vessel sleeve-like inverted suture reinforcement in proximal part of ascending aorta

Objective To summarize the clinical experience of artificial vascular sleeve-like inverted suture in proximal part of ascending aorta, and to explore the effectiveness of the method. Methods A retrospective study was performed. From August 2017 to April 2018, 10 patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection with surgical indications for ascending aortic replacement were treated with artificial vascular sleeve-like inverted suture for proximal part of ascending aorta, 9 cases of emergency operation, 8 cases of males and 2 females, aged 43-69 years, mean(51±6) years old. The specific method for operation is to invert the artificial blood vessel 2 cm outward and then insert it into the ascending aorta, suture the inverted part of the artificial blood vessel and the ascending aorta continuously. If there is obvious bleeding, stitch strips made of artificial blood vessel or pericardium with theanastomosis ring. The drainage in 24 hours after operation and early postoperative outcome were observed. Results There was no intraoperative death in the whole group, and there was no second thoracotomy for hemostasis. The drainage volume was 150-880 ml, average(260±55) ml in 24 hours after surgery. One patient developed gastrointestinal hemorrhage after operation, and healed after two times of hemostasis by bedside gastroscopy. Two patients had transient neurological dysfunction(TND). All of the 10 patients were cured and discharged after treatment. All patients were followed up for 1-6 months. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography. Eight of them underwent CT angiography, no new aortic regurgitation, and no obvious sinus widening. Conclusion The artificial blood vessel sleeve-like inverted suture is a simple and reliable operation in reinforcement for proximal part of ascending aorta. The anastomosis circle and the suture pinprick are not directly in contact with the blood flow, reducing the chance of bleeding. Even if there is tinybleeding, it will be easy to find and repair. In conclusion, this method is convenient and effective, and it is worthy of clinical promotion. Key words: Aortic dissection Suture Bleed