Comparison of Automated Titanium Fasteners to Hand-Tied Knots in Open Aortic Valve Replacement

This study compared operative times and costs of titanium fasteners versus hand-tied knots for prosthesis securement in open aortic valve replacement. Methods A randomized control trial was conducted during a 16-month period at a single university medical center. Patients undergoing elective aortic valve replacement were randomized to the titanium fastener (n = 37) or hand-tied groups (n = 36). Knotting, aortic cross-clamp, cardiopulmonary bypass, and total operating room times were recorded. Hospital charges were also calculated for these procedures. Results Baseline characteristics, concomitant procedures, prosthetic valve size, and sutures were similar between groups. The titanium fastener group had significantly reduced knotting (7.4 vs. 13.0 minutes, P
Source: Innovations: Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research