Figure 1

Continous lines show threads on the external surface of the aorta. Dotted lines show the internal passages of the needle as well the threads inside the aorta. a) The common single transversal stitch which is obtained from 2 passages of the needle. The passages are both in the same direction and orthogonal to the aorta. The X of the threads is outside and above the aortic hole. b) Reinforcement by a supplemental stitch with teflon-felt pledgets. The 2 passages of the needle are transversal again. c) The aorta is deformed after the stitches are tied.