Dissection of the aorta and pulmonary trunk
The aorta was divided in between stay sutures at the level of pulmonary arterial bifurcation. Two stay sutures of 6-0 polypropylene were placed on the top of each coronary buttons for retraction and mobilization. The transected distal aortic end was retracted superiorly for optimal visualization and uncluttering of surgical field.
The pulmonary trunk was next divided about 1-2 mm below the level of pulmonary arterial bifurcation. The vessel loops on right and left pulmonary arteries were placed on traction for the LeCompte manoeuvre.