Video-assisted mini-thoracotomy for thoracic stent-graft implantation: a novel vascular access for endovascular repair.
OBJECTIVE
To report a new access technique for endovascular treatment of penetrating ulcer of the proximal descending aorta.


METHODS
When traditional access routes are unavailable, a 10-mm Dacron graft can be sutured to the distal descending aorta using a video-assisted mini-thoracotomy. Prerequisites for use of this novel approach are a focal lesion of the proximal descending aorta and a minimally diseased distal descending aorta for safe graft insertion.


CONCLUSIONS
This procedure facilitates endovascular repair and obviates the risks of open surgery, which are especially beneficial in patients with significant comorbidities.
Bernier
Pierre-Luc
PL
Department of Cardiac Surgery, Quebec Heart Institute, Sainte-Foy, Québec, Canada.
Turcotte
Roch
R
Normand
Jean-Pierre
JP
Dagenais
Francois
F
D001013:Aorta, Thoracic; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D015607:Stents; D020775:Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted; D013908:Thoracotomy / Q000379:methods*; D014456:Ulcer / Q000601:surgery*