Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
14:14
Standardized Technique of Aortic Valve Re-implantation for Valve-sparing Aortic Root Replacement
Published on: December 11, 2017
Reoperation for aortic false aneurysms: our experience and strategy for safe resternotomy
Fabrizio Settepani1, Mirko Muretti, Alessandro Barbone
1Department of Cardiac Surgery, Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Rozzano, Italy. fabrizio.settepani@humanitas.it
Journal of Cardiac Surgery
|April 26, 2008
Summary
Reoperation for aortic false aneurysms (FA) is associated with high risks. Careful surgical strategy selection based on FA location can reduce mortality and morbidity, enabling safer resternotomy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Aortic Surgery
Background:
- Aortic false aneurysms (FA) are a serious complication following thoracic aortic procedures.
- Reoperation for FA presents significant surgical challenges and risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review surgical experience with reoperation for aortic false aneurysms.
- To analyze surgical approaches and associated risks for aortic FA reoperation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 11 patients undergoing 13 reoperations for aortic FA (May 1999-June 2006).
- Preoperative CT scans guided surgical strategies using varying hypothermia levels (deep, moderate, mild).
- Surgical repair involved direct suture or anastomosis refashioning.
Main Results:
- Hospital mortality rate was 16.7% (2 deaths).
- Neurological deficits occurred in two patients (permanent in one).
- False aneurysm recurrence was observed in two cases; survivors showed improved functional class.
Conclusions:
- Aortic false aneurysms carry a high mortality and morbidity rate.
- Tailored surgical strategies based on FA location can mitigate risks.
- Relatively safe resternotomy is achievable with appropriate planning.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...
01:22Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management
Vigilant monitoring for aneurysm rupture is essential for patients undergoing aortic surgery.Preoperative Nursing ManagementContinuously monitor the patient for manifestations of aneurysm rupture, such as pallor, weakness, tachycardia, hypotension, abdominal, back, groin, or periumbilical pain, changes in consciousness, and a pulsating abdominal mass. Regularly assess the patient's peripheral pulses.Instruct the patient to consume a clear liquid diet the day before surgery and administer...
01:25Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management
Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...
01:30Aneurysm I: Introduction
An aortic aneurysm is a localized outpouching or dilation at a weak point in the artery wall. It may involve different parts of the aorta, such as the abdominal aorta, aortic arch, or thoracic aorta.Etiological factorsSeveral disorders are associated with aortic aneurysms.Congenital causes, such as primary connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome, impact the integrity and strength of connective tissues, notably affecting the aorta. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that specifically...