A method for repair of aortic dissection originating in the transverse arch using two sutureless intraluminal prostheses

E. Thompson and H. V. Schaff
Section of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.

We present a method for repair of ascending aortic dissections that originate in the transverse aortic arch. The technique utilizes two sutureless intraluminal prostheses, which are joined together and inserted during hypothermic circulatory arrest. A diamond-shaped opening between the two grafts is anastomosed about the orifices of the brachiocephalic arteries. This method affords the advantage of excluding the intimal tear, thereby preventing further propagation of the dissection. Additionally, the method offers the time-saving advantage of the sutureless prosthetic rings for the proximal and distal anastomoses.