Long-range observations with external aortic grafts.

The late results of aortic aneurysms treated by external grafting are presented. This procedure consists of completely dissecting the involved aortic segment and suturing it in a well-fitted tubular Dacron prosthesis. The operation was carried out under the following circumstances: (a) Small fusiform aneurysm of the abdominal aorta. (b) Small and medium-sized aneurysms of the thoracic aorta. (c) Aneurysms unfavorably located in the very old and very debilitated. (d) Aneurysms involving the origin of the renal arteries. (e) Aneurysmatic dilatation of the aortic arch. Sixty-two patients were operated upon with this method with the follow-up period ranging from three months to seven years. There were no deaths during this period which could be directly related to either the aneurysm or the procedure itself.