A technique for complete replacement of the ascending aorta

A technique for complete replacement of the aortic valve and ascending aorta in cases of aneurysm of the ascending aorta with aortic valve ectasia is described. The proximal aortic root was too attenuated to afford anchorage to the aortic prosthesis, so this was sutured to the ring of a Starr valve and the prostheses were inserted <i>en bloc.</i> The ostia of the coronary arteries were anastomosed to the side of the aortic prosthesis.