A third generation of ascending aorta Dacron graft: preliminary experience

To develop a preassembled biological valved conduit, a Dacron conduit was modified to be stored in glutaraldehyde without loss of blood impermeability. This study reports the preliminary experience with this "third generation" aortic Dacron graft.

Eight patients underwent ascending aorta or root replacement using the new Triplex prosthetic conduit (Vascutek Terumo, Renfrewshire, Scotland) consisting of three layers. The inner layer is a standard uncoated woven Dacron graft (DuPont, Wilmington, DE); the outer layer is a standard expanded polytetrafluoroethylene graft. Both layers are fused together by a central layer of self-sealing elastomeric membrane. For its peculiar characteristics this graft has unique properties that allow it to be maintained in glutaraldehyde solution as well as in various storage solutions.

None of the patients died or exhibited any neurologic event. The clinical inflammatory response was within the usual postoperative levels. The graft appeared slightly stiffer than the standard Dacron graft with similar handling and tailoring characteristics. Blood impermeability (even through the suture holes) was remarkably high.

This prosthetic graft appeared to combine good handling and tailoring characteristics with a striking reduction of blood oozing through the fabric and suture hole, even at full heparinization.