Compound grafts of xenopericardium and Dacron fabric for repair or replacement of great vessels: A method to avoid interstitial and suture hole bleeding

Abstract

Compound grafts constructed by wrapping pericardial xenografts around fabric grafts were used for replacement or repair of the great vessels. After cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), bleeding through the compound graft is nil. Nine patients had the intrathoracic aorta replaced with a compound graft, and eight patients had patch repair of the ascending aorta or the right ventricular outflow tract. Bleeding in all patients was minimal because the nonporous nature of the xenopericardium avoids interstitial and suture hole hemorrhage until normal hemostasis is obtained.