Abstract

KALIL, Renato A. K. et al. Late evaluation of bovine pericardium grafts as aortic substitutes by spiral computed tomography. Arq. Bras. Cardiol. [online]. 1997, vol.69, n.2, pp. 111-115. ISSN 0066-782X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0066-782X1997000800006.

PURPOSE: To evaluate morphologically by spiral computed tomography (SCT) bovine pericardial grafts as aortic substitutes. METHODS: Ten patients were submitted to aortic graft evaluation with SCT. There were 8 ascending and 2 descending grafts. Examination was done after 2 to 7 years post operative. Ages ranged from 49 to 67 years, with 6 male and 4 female patients. All had implanted smooth surface naked pericardial grafts. RESULTS: Surgical result was good in all. Distal dissection persisted in some cases. One had a peri-graft hematoma, 5 had no structural changes and 4 presented mild graft dilatation. There were no graft calcification or pseudoaneurysm. CONCLUSION: Glutaraldehyde preserved naked smooth surface bovine pericardial aortic grafts present satisfactory structural aspect, as seen by SCT, at medium term follow-up. Mild dilatation may be seen in some cases.

Keywords : aortic grafts; bovine pericardium; computed tomography.