Congenital native interruption of aortic arch in an adult: extra-anatomic approach by right-side thoracotomy

Abstract

We outline the case of an 18-year-old male patient with a congenital nonoperated interruption of the aortic arch. A right thoracotomy without cardiopulmonary bypass facilitated repair through an extra-anatomic bypass between the ascending and the supradiaphragmatic descending aorta. Results for the immediate and 2-year radiologic and clinical check-up were satisfactory. The most common complications in anatomic correction are stroke under selective cerebral perfusion, risk of paraplegia, and hemorrhage. We present a new technique for repair of interruption of the aortic arch in adults that avoids the need for extended dissection of the aorta and a partial occlusion clamp during anastomosis and allows for cerebral and medullar perfusion.