Use of autologous fascia lata as a pericardial substitute following open-heart surgery.

Thirteen patients requiring repeat open-heart surgery had autologous free fascia lata grafts implanted to effect complete pericardial closure. In four patients, the graft was used to augment the pericardial space because of myocardial failure and enlargement. In the remainder, fascia lata was used because shrinkage, scarring, or absence of the pericardium from prior operation prevented primary closure. No hemodynamic problems related to implantations of the grafts were seen. The harvesting of the grafts produced no functional deficits, and complications at the donor site were insignificant. Complete pericardial closure with fascia lata protects underlying myocardial structures (i.e., saphenous vein grafts) in the event that further reoperation for bleeding or infection is required. In addition, it provides for compartmentalization of the mediastinum, allowing accurate assessment of the site of postoperative bleeding.