title: Video-assisted mini-thoracotomy for thoracic stent-graft implantation: a novel vascular access for endovascular repair.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiac Surgery, Quebec Heart Institute, Sainte-Foy, Québec, Canada.
authors.forename: Pierre-Luc
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Bernier
authors.forename: Roch
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Turcotte
authors.forename: Jean-Pierre
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Normand
authors.forename: Francois
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Dagenais
mesh_terms: 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*