Descending thoracic aortobifemoral bypass for occluded abdominal aorta: retroperitoneal route without an abdominal...

Severe juxtarenal aortic disease and occluded aortic bifurcation grafts have prompted surgeons to seek alternative routes when reoperating. We have modified the descending thoracic aortobifemoral bypass procedure by drawing the graft through a retroperitoneal tunnel to the left groin, thereby eliminating the need for an abdominal incision. The lower thoracic area is exposed through a left anterolateral thoracotomy incision and each common femoral artery is exposed by vertical incisions in the groins. The right limb is drawn through a retrorectus tunnel to the right groin for the final anastomosis. Experience with this technique in 12 patients has demonstrated less risk of atheroemboli, less blood loss, shorter operating time, and a more rapid postoperative recovery, than is the case in reentering the abdomen for a secondary aortic procedure.