The repair of the aortotomy in the surgical treatment of aortic valve can be achieved using different techniques. Nevertheless, in some cases, the ascending aorta is atherosclerotic, thin and friable, making the risk of aorta rupture and late aneurysm development higher. This article describes the technique and the results obtained from the reinforcement of aortic suture with autologous pericardium by retrospective analysis of 23 cases from the Heart Institute of São Paulo, between 1999 and 2003.
Pericardium; Suture techniques; Surgical flaps; Cardiac surgical procedures