title: Finger-Thumb Technique for Elephant Trunk Retrieval.
abstract: In this report we present a brief video illustrating the "Finger-Thumb Technique" that we have used extensively at our institution for elephant trunk retrieval during second stage elephant trunk procedures. Although only safe in experienced hands, this technique is a viable option in the arsenal of a cardiothoracic surgeon, especially in cases when proximally surrounding a massively enlarged aorta is unappealing.
authors.affiliation: Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
authors.forename: Bulat A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Ziganshin
authors.affiliation: Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
authors.forename: John A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Elefteriades
keywords: Descending aorta; Stage II elephant trunk procedure; Surgical treatment; Thoracic aortic aneurysm