Abstract
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the early results of the use of the Carbo-Seal® composite graft for aortic root replacement. Between June 1997 and January 1998, 5 patients underwent aortic root replacement using either the with open technique (n=4) or Ross procedure (n=1) concomitant with right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction (RVOTR) using Carbo-Seal. Three patients had undergone previous aortic valve replacement, two had Marfan syndrome, and one had active Behcet disease. There were no operative deaths nor postoperative complications related to the use of Carbo-Seal. During the follow-up period, one patient died of traumatic cerebral hemorrhage. The remaining patients were well and free of conduit related complications at a mean follow-up of 22 (range: 19-27) months. Carbo-Seal is a reliable composite graft in an aortic root replacement or RVOTR during the Ross procedure.
