[Reoperation of a pseudoaneurysm eroding the sternum under hypothermic arrest of the brain through left thoracotomy]

Reoperation of a pseudo aneurysm eroding the sternum was carried out in a 76-year-old female, using partial cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermic circulatory arrest of the brain through left thoracotomy. The pulsating aneurysm protruding over the sternum was about 3.5 x 3.5 cm in size. Therefore, median sternotomy was thought to be risky. Cardiopulmonary bypass was established with left atrium and pulmonary artery for venous cannulation and femoral artery for arterial one. The patient was cooled and then the bypass discontinued. Previous patcth of the aneurysm was partially splitting and new patch was sutured. She awaked without cerebral injury of the operative day. This technique can be used as one of an alternative surgical method in the treatment of the distal aortic arch aneurysms.