[Surgical techniques for thoracic and thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair]

We introduce our technique for the treatment of aneurysms arising in the descending thoracic aorta and the thoracoabdominal aorta. Thoracotomy is performed at a single site. The costal arch is transected to ensure an adequate field of vision. A lifting hook is used to open the proximal side of the aorta. The diaphragm is not totally transected to preserve respiratory function after surgery. In principle, partial extracorporeal circulation is performed using a percutaneous cardiopulmonary support system. The dose of heparin for systemic treatment is limited to 50 U/kg. The abdominal branches are perfused with the use of balloon catheters. Cardiac arrest is induced for about 10 seconds by intravenous administration of adenosine triphosphate to avoid aortic injury when the proximal aorta is clamped during partial extracorporeal circulation and to prevent massive bleeding when the elephant trunk is clamped. To prevent paraplegia, the Adamkiewics artery and 2 pairs of adjacent intercostal arteries identified by preoperative computed tomography are reconstructed, and cerebrospinal drainage and motor evoked potential monitoring are performed.