[Clinical experience with the gelatin-resorcine-formol biological glue in acute type A aortic dissection]

From May 1995 through June 1996, the gelatin-resorcine-formol (GRF) biological glue was used for tissue reinforcement in 20 patients operated on for acute type A aortic dissections at our institution. The results in these patients (Group I) were compared to those in 37 patients operated on between 1992 and 1994 with conventional techniques (Group II). There were no significant differences between the two groups concerning demographic data. Operative procedures in Group I consist of replacement of the ascending aorta with or without proximal arch (n = 10), total arch replacement (n = 7), and aortic root reconstruction (n = 2), whereas those in Group II were 22, 12, and 3, respectively. Cardiopulmonary bypass time was significantly shorter in Group I than Group II (164 +/- 39 vs 265 +/- 122, p < 0.05). Average blood loss in first 24 hours after operation was 688 +/- 601 ml in Group I and 1481 +/- 1505 ml in Group II (p < 0.05). Consequently operative mortality was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced from 40.5% (Group II) to 15.0% (Group I). In conclusion, the use of GRF glue reduces perioperative bleeding and improves results of operation for acute aortic dissections.