ABSTRACT
114 cases of aneurysms in various anatomical locations are presented. Patient age ranged from 7 to 72 years, and the male: female ratio was 3:1. The underlying pathology in the majority was traumatic arteriovenous fistula, whilst atherosclerosis was the second major cause. A full discussion is included on cases of non-specific arteriopathy presenting multiple stenoses and aneurysmal dilatation. Emphasis is focussed on cases showing dissection due to connective tissue disorders, but without aneurysmal dilatation. Dissection with aneurysmal dilatation, particularly in the ascending aorta, with and without Marfan's disorder and associated with aortic valve incompetence, is presented. The surgical treatment of choice in these cases was by aortic valve replacement and graft replacement of the ascending aorta, even when the aneurysm involved the aortic sinuses. The technique is discussed including a manoeuvre to reinforce and reduce the diameter of the dilated aortic root using a special plication suture