[The management of aortic root replacement using the Top-Hat/Gelweave composite graft].

Composite graft replacement of the aortic root has become a routine procedure for annuloaortic ectasia (AAE) and aortic valve insufficiency (AR) with aortic dissection and the results have improved. We treated six cases of aortic root reconstruction using the Carrel patch method in 1998. The Top-Hat/Gelweave Composite graft fit together well and the procedure is technically similar to standard valve replacement. Upon measuring the valve size a Gelweave graft 1 mm larger than the valve size should be selected. There were no incidence of hemorrhage or postoperative hemolysis. Further long-term follow-up is necessary.