Modified Bentall operation with bioprosthetic valve and Valsalva graft conduit:the "slit skirt" technique

We elucidated the efficacy of the slit skirt technique to prevent bleeding from the proximal anastomosis between the graft and aortic annulus. Between September 2008 and September 2014, 15 patients underwent a modified Bentall operation with the slit skirt technique at our institution. No patients had bleeding from the proximal anastomosis. No re-thoracotomy for bleeding was required. During midterm follow-up (median period, 21 months), no patient had pseudoaneurysms at the proximal suture line. We conclude that the slit skirt technique is useful to prevent bleeding from the proximal anastomosis after the Bentall operation