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 The transected distal aortic end was retracted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.