Reduction aortoplasty for ascending aortic aneurysm: a 14-year experience.

We present early results and long-term follow-up after reduction aortoplasty with external wrapping of the ascending aorta. From December 1993 to February 2008, 32 consecutive patients who had reduction aortoplasty were compared with 47 consecutive patients who underwent prosthetic graft replacement of the ascending aorta. The groups were similar in baseline characteristics.

Modified muscle-sparing high approach to the thoracoabdominal aorta.

A modified muscle-sparing high approach to the thoracoabdominal aorta is described, which improves surgical access for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Since 2000, 16 patients with type I and II thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms have undergone aortic graft replacement using this approach via the 3(rd) intercostal space. There were no hospital deaths.