A new topical hemostatic agent composed of a specifically-formulated porous collagen matrix, coated on one side with a thin protein bonding layer (known as NHS-PEG) has been reported to be extremely effective, in addition to traditional means, in terminating bleeding during cardiac operations with control rates as high as 97,5%. The investigators compared such hemostatic agent (Hemopatch; Baxter Inc, Deerfield, IL) with traditional optimized hemostasis routine.

Following sample size calculation, in a prospective randomized study design, 100 patients will be treated with Hemopatch and 100 patients will receive traditional optimized hemostasis routine (comparison group).

To make the two cohorts as comparable as possible enrollment will be restricted to moderately bleeding vascular anastomosis of Dacron grafts to ascending aorta or moderately bleeding transversal aortotomy.

Study endpoints are the following: rate of successful intraoperative hemostasis (identified by cessation of bleeding in less than 3 minutes from application) and time required for hemostasis; overall postoperative bleeding; rate of transfusion of blood products; rate of surgical revision for bleeding; postoperative morbidity; and intensive care unit stay.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Surgery on Ascending Aorta with Dacron Graft or transverse Aortotomy
• Moderate bleeding

Exclusion Criteria:

• None