"Martin Mattress": Surgical Technique for Achieving Hemostasis in Redo Aortic Root Operations

Abstract

A 71-year-old gentleman with prior bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement was admitted with aortic valve dehiscence and an aortic root abscess. He underwent reoperative sternotomy, aortic root, mitral valve, and hemiarch replacement. To augment hemostasis, we implanted the "Martin Mattress"-a pericardial patch sutured to the fibrous ridge within the innominate vein, superior vena cava, right atrium, right ventricular outflow tract, and pulmonary artery-which is preferred to modified Cabrol fistula techniques in infectious root pathology.

Fig. 1

“Martin Mattress” pericardial patch sewn to the fibrous ridges within the innominate vein, superior vena cava, right atrium, right ventricular outflow tract, and pulmonary artery.