Replacement of entire aorta from aortic valve to bifurcation during one operation

• Published in: The Annals of thoracic surgery Vol. 58; no. 4; pp. 1164 - 1166
• Main Authors: Svensson, Lars G., Shahian, David M., Davis, Fred G., Entrup, Michael H., Kimmel, Wendy A., McGrath, Donna M., Jewel, Edward R., Gray, Anthony W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Inc 01-10-1994
• Subjects: Aged; Aorta - surgery; Aortic Aneurysm - surgery; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal - surgery; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic - surgery; Blood Vessel Prosthesis - methods; Humans; Male
• ISSN: 0003-4975; 1552-6259
• DOI: 10.1016/0003-4975(94)90480-4

A 68-year-old patient presented with an extensive aortic aneurysm extending from the aortic valve to the aortic bifurcation associated with severe continuous pain, dysphagia, and hoarseness. Because of the risk of impending rupture and an “elephant trunk” procedure not being an option, the entire aorta from the aortic valve to the aortic bifurcation was replaced during one operation using deep hypothermia with circulatory arrest and retrograde perfusion of the brain through the jugular veins. Seven months after the operation the patient walks more than 3 km a day and lives a normal life. The operative repair is presented.