Surgical treatment for dissecting aneurysm of the aorta using a double ringed graft

Since 1978 we have been using a new double ringed graft for the treatment for dissecting aneurysm of the aorta. This prosthesis is a segment of a woven Dacron graft with two stainless steel rings, fixed and sutured in place, 10 or 12 mm apart, at each end of the graft. The operative procedure is as follows: the graft is tied into the true lumen of the dissected aorta; tape is ligated around the aorta and fixed between the two rings; and suturing of the aortic layers is done over the inserted graft. This technique has been applied in 11 cases of dissecting aneurysm. Eight patients survived, and 3 died soon after surgery due to complications. The safety of this method was ascertained by experimental and pathohistological studies.