Critical stenosis of pulmonary homograft induced by Surgicel in Ross procedure

Abstract

Surgicel is bio-absorbable cellulose used to control bleeding. A 52-year-old woman with severe aortic valve regurgitation and aortic dilatation underwent the Ross procedure and ascending aortic replacement. After 48 h, she suffered severe hypotension and hypoxemia. Arteriography revealed stenosis of the pulmonary homograft, which required urgent re-intervention. Extrinsic compression of the posterior wall of the homograft due to Surgicel was found.