Single-stage repair of distal aortic arch and thoracoabdominal dissecting aneurysms using aortic tailoring and circulatory arrest

The adjuncts of profound hypothermic circulatory arrest and aortic tailoring are combined with standard graft replacement of the noncritical portions of the aorta. This combination permits single-stage replacement of the arch, thoracic, and abdominal aorta in patients with postdissection aneurysm. Reconstruction is begun with repair of the mid to distal aortic arch and Dacron graft replacement of the proximal descending thoracic aorta, usually under profound hypothermic circulatory arrest. The proximal graft is then cannulated and the patient partially warmed while the middle segment is “tailored.” Aortic tailoring consists of longitudinal aortotomy and removal of the dissection membrane(s) from the distal third of the descending thoracic aorta to below the renal arteries. The aorta is then closed creating a single channel 2 to 3 cm in diameter and containing the origins of the important intercostal, lumbar, and visceral arteries. A Dacron graft is used to replace the infrarenal segment. Five patients have successfully undergone single-stage, total repair of the aorta including the arch, thoracic, and abdominal segments. All survived without paraplegia or significant visceral ischemia. Follow-up has not shown dilatation of the tailored segment. We believe that reduction in diameter of the tailored aortic segment and thus wall tension, growth of neointima on all luminal aortic surfaces, and active collagen deposition contribute to the success of this procedure.