Single center experience with wrapping of the dilated ascending aorta

BACKGROUND External wrapping is a surgical technique performed in patients with a dilated ascending aorta. The aim of this study is to present the mid-term results of wrapping of the dilated ascending aorta. METHODS 34 patients (mean age: 64.4 ± 10.8 years, 21 males) with a dilated ascending aorta were operated on at a single cardiac surgery center using a wrapping technique. The aortas were wrapped with 32-36 mm straight Dacron vascular prostheses. The aortic wall was not excised in any of the patients. Wrapping was performed concomitant to other cardiac surgery procedures in 30 patients (88 %), which involved surgery on the aortic valve in 28 patients (82 %). RESULTS The mean follow-up time was 19.5 ± 8.3 months (median: 18 months, range: 12-36 months). None of the patients died or had aortic complications during the hospital stay and the follow-up period. A rethoracotomy had to be performed due to excessive postoperative bleeding in two patients. One patient was diagnosed with a transient ischemic attack on the 4th postoperative day, while another had respiratory failure requiring prolonged intubation. No redilatation of the ascending aorta or dislocation of the wrap was noticed in any of the patients. CONCLUSIONS According to our study, external wrapping of the ascending aorta has good short-term results and may be regarded as a safe surgical option for patients with a moderately dilated ascending aorta.