Temporary and Permanent Bypass Prostheses in the Treatment of Aortic Coarctation

Abstract

Dacron tubes were successfully used as grafts for the bypassing of aortic coarctation in 4 patients because of extensive arteriosclerotic changes of the aorta near the coarctation. The use of prostheses less than 12 mm in diameter is not recommended. Intra-operative blood flow recordings indicated that the bypass flow should be more than 2 I /min. In 2 patients with poorly developed collaterals, temporary shunts were applied in order to protect the spinal cord and the kidneys. The use of silicone rubber tubes from the aortic arch or subclavian artery to the descending aorta is recommended. Systemic heparinization is not necessary.