Figure 1 – Side-Arm Patch Repair of Aortic Tear.

This patch was then directly anastomosed to the aorta with a #4-0 Prolene, and the side-arm was cannulated with a #24 French arterial cannula. After this very brief period of circulatory arrest for the extended patch anastomosis, cardiopulmonary bypass was resumed via the side-arm patch, and the patient was rewarmed. The remainder of the vein grafting to the right coronary artery proceeded without complication.

The patient had an unremarkable post-operative course and was discharged home by post-operative day six. At one-month follow-up her angina had completely resolved, and she was consented for anonymous inclusion in publishing our surgical technique for educational value.