title: Prevention of paraplegia associated with resection of extensive thoracic aneurysms.
abstract: A review of the literature suggests that paraplegia associated with thoracic aortic surgery is preventable if intraoperative hypotension is eliminated, the distal aorta perfused adequately, and the intercostal arteries below T-8 level preserved. A surgical technique has been developed that leaves the posterior aortic wall, preserving the intercostal arteries below the level of T-8, and interspersing a diagonally tailored prosthesis with the aid of left atrial-to-femoral arterial bypass without heparinization. Seven patients with extensive aneurysms involving the entire descending thoracic aorta were operated on successfully by this technique without neurological complications.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000601:surgery; D001014:Aortic Aneurysm / Q000601:surgery*; D001158:Arteries; D001243:Assisted Circulation; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000098:blood supply