title: Single-stage replacement of the entire thoracic aorta via transverse thoracosternotomy.
abstract: The transverse thoracosternotomy provides excellent exposure for repair of lesions involving the entire thoracic aorta. This approach has been made more feasible by other recent technical advances, such as retrograde perfusion of the brain during circulatory arrest, allowing single-stage replacement of the ascending and descending aorta and aortic arch. The two cases presented here illustrate the use of these advancements in the treatment of extensive aneurysms of the thoracic aorta.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, 27599-7065, USA.
authors.forename: F C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Detterbeck
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Hennington
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000784:Aortic Dissection / Q000601:surgery*; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D013903:Thoracic Surgery / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome