A modified technic for coronary to graft anastomosis and coronary perfusion in Bentall operation

From September 1987 to January 1989, we performed 7 consecutive Bentall operations using a modified technique for the coronary artery to graft anastomosis with a satisfactory result. Six patients with annuloaortic ectasia and one with type 1 aortic dissection underwent the operation. After suturing a composite graft to the aortic annulus, side-holes about 8 mm in diameter were made in the graft at points corresponding to the coronary ostia. Then the graft was cut longitudinally on the side of the non-coronary cusp so as to make operative procedure easier. Four buttressed mattress sutures of 4-0 polypropylene thread were placed in the aortic wall around the coronary ostia and connected to the corresponding part of the graft. These threads were tied and then used for running sutures from inside of the graft. Even in a case where the coronary ostium was close to the aortic annulus, this procedure permitted easy and secure accessibility. Additionally, retrograde continuous cold blood cardioplegia via the coronary sinus made Bentall procedure easier and safer. Postoperative angiography revealed no stenosis or deformity of the coronary artery and no leakage from the suture line. All patients are doing well in NYHA functional class I.