The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 45, 572-573, Copyright © 1988 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Closure of the calcified patent ductus in the elderly: avoidance of ductal clamps and shunts
AM Johnson and IL Kron
Department of Surgery, University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville 22908.
A technique for closure of the calcified ductus in the adult is described
that avoids systemic heparinization or the use of shunts or bypass. An
aortotomy is performed and the ductus is closed from within the aorta. Use
of a running suture technique and closure from the inside should allow for
a short clamp time, and therefore avoid the occurrence of paraplegia.