Background
Currently no intraoperative test exists to predict postoperative dissection or aneurysm formation in patients operated for other reasons as aneurysms of the ascending aorta (AA). The aim of the present study was therefore to evaluate the mechanical and histological properties of the aortic wall in patients operated for coronary artery disease (CAD), aortic valve disease (stenosis (AS) or regurgitation (AR)), and for dilatation of AA of ≥ 45mm.