Secure aortic stump closure with autogenous vein pledgets.

A method for secure closure of a difficult aortic stump is described. Two-layer closure consisting of a row of interrupted horizontal mattress polypropylene sutures through autogenous vein pledgets and a second continuous polypropylene suture line is recommended. The method described is a simple technique that uses readily available, strong, autogenous material for suture line reinforcement.