Glutaraldehyde Preserved Autologous Pericardium for Patch Reconstruction of the Pulmonary Artery and Superior Vena Cava

Abstract

We describe a new employment of glutaraldehyde preserved autologous pericardium for patch reconstruction of the pulmonary artery (PA) and superior vena cava (SVC). This technique was devised to minimize technical problems related to the use of fresh pericardium such as excessive elasticity and tendency to curl. We have successfully employed this procedure in three cases of reconstruction of the PA and in two cases of reconstruction of the SVC.