Reoperation for giant false aneurysm of the thoracic aorta: how to reenter the chest?

Background: Giant false or pseudoaneurysm of the aorta is a rare but dreadful complication occurring several months or years after cardiac or aortic surgery. We describe a surgical approach that allowed safe reentry in the chest in five patients, with a mean follow-up of almost seven years.

Methods: From December 1991 to October 1999, five patients aged 34 to 74 years (mean age, 55 +/- 11.

When should the aortic arch be replaced in Marfan patients?

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence, indications, and results of aortic arch replacement in Marfan patients with and without acute dissection.

Methods: Between January 1993 and December 2005, our group performed 76 aortic replacements in 54 Marfan patients (mean age, 38.3 years), of whom 20 had already undergone one or two replacements of the thoracic aorta, and 3 required one late procedure each in other institutions.

[Long term results for the ATS valve, the first open pivot valve: 182 cases].

Between May 1995 and May 2004, 197 ATS valves were implanted in 182 patients: 120 males and 62 females with an average age of 58 +/- 13 years. 149 cases were for aortic valvular replacement and 48 cases were for the mitral valve. Fifteen patients had a double mitral and aortic replacement.

[Long term survival with the Bentall button operation in 150 patients].

Between May 1980 and May 2000, 150 patients (123 males and 27 females) underwent surgery with the same surgeon for ascending aortic replacement with a valvular conduit and coronary reimplantation with the aid of a collar of aortic wall (button technique). The average age was 50 +/- 16 years. Within this population, 114 patients had isolated annulo-ectasial disease, 36 had Marfan syndrome and 20 had dissection (5 acute and 15 chronic).