Dacron patch closure of aortic annulus mycotic aneurysms.
Six patients with large mycotic aortic annular aneurysms were successfully operated on over a 3-year period. Aortic valve replacement was facilitated in all six patients by closing the orifice of the abscess with a Dacron patch and then seating the prosthetic valve at the level of the aortic annulus. In each case, a portion of the prosthetic valve ring was sutured directly to the patch. No patient has clinical evidence of a perivalvular leak 18-48 months after operation. One patient required reoperation to close a ventricular septal defect caused by partial patch dehiscence. Dacron patch closure has been highly effective in our experience and is simpler than many other options.