Use of BioGlue in aortic surgery: Proper application techniques and results in 92 patients

Background. Surgery for pathology of the proximal aorta requires aortic wall reconstruction, re-approximation of the graft to native vessels, and potentially root replacement and valve resuspension or replacement. The purpose of this study is to describe proper application techniques and the results obtained with the adjunctive use of BioGlue Surgical Adhesive in this challenging patient population. Methods. Between August 1998 and June 2002, 92 consecutive patients underwent ascending/arch repairs, ascending/ root repairs, Ross procedures, or ascending/ arch repairs with a concomitant Ross procedure using BioGlue as an adjunct for anastomotic hemostasis. Results. Twenty-six patients (28.3%) in this series required no postoperative blood products. The mortality rate for this single-surgeon series was 3.3%. No device-related complications were observed. The incidence rate for postoperative pseudoaneurysm formation was 3.3%. Conclusions. This series demonstrates the safety and effectiveness of BioGlue as a hemostatic adjunct in proximal aortic surgery. Use of the product helped to facilitate a minimal reliance on blood products and a low mortality rate.