Repair of thoracoabdominal aneurysms with minimal diaphragmatic section

We describe here use of a minimal diaphragmatic section in thoracoabdominal aneurysm surgery, for patients with chronic obstructive lung disease and a history of cigarette smoking. The diaphragmatic section of about 10 cm that concerns only the muscle is taken circumferentially; this does not damage the phrenic nerve and enables quick respiratory recovery in the postoperative period. This procedure is easy to use, whether through thoracoabdominal aorta substitution or reimplantation of the intercostal arteries and visceral vessels. This technique can be useful in extending surgical treatment to patients with respiratory failure.