Less-invasive thoracic aortic aneurysm repair.
To minimize surgical trauma, we performed graft replacement of a descending aortic aneurysm through a minithoracotomy (12 cm) with the use of thoracoscopy and special vascular clamps. Contrast magnetic resonance angiography can be useful for preventing postoperative paraplegia by revealing the Adamkiewicz artery. The patient was satisfied with the postoperative comfort and good cosmetic result. Further refinement of the technique and instrumentation would make this technique a valuable adjunct to conventional thoracic aortic surgery.
Fukada
Johji
J
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Japan. atsfukada@yahoo.co.jp
Morishita
Kiyofumi
K
Kawaharada
Nobuyoshi
N
Yamada
Akira
A
Harada
Nobuhiro
N
Abe
Tomio
T
D000368:Aged; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000517:prevention & control; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D013906:Thoracoscopy / Q000379:methods*