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Updated: Dec 28, 2025

Modified Octopus Technique for Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Published on: August 1, 2025
Penetration of the ascending aorta and bronchus by a crossbow bolt
Yasuhiro Futamura1,2, Hirotaka Watanuki1,2, Masaho Okada1,2
1Department of Cardiac Surgery, Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan.
Abstract:
We report the successful repair in a 29-year-old man who experienced penetration of the ascending aorta and bronchus by a crossbow bolt. Imaging studies revealed the arrow penetrating the sternum, right lung, ascending aorta and right bronchus, with mediastinal emphysema. The top of the arrow (8 mm in diameter) was deeply embedded in the body of the thoracic vertebra. The arrow was successfully removed while maintaining a stable respiratory condition by performing differential lung ventilation. There was no need for cardiopulmonary bypass. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a through-and-through penetrating ascending aorta injury.
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