Challenging Proximal Control for Open Thoracoabdominal Repair

Proximal control of the thoracic aorta during the open repair of thoracoabdominal aorta can be challenging. Various techniques have been developed to address these challenges, including the use of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and staged procedures, such as the conventional as well as frozen elephant trunk procedures. This paper is a brief review of the challenges and rationale behind some approaches.