Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2008; 56(8): 490-492
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-965712
Short Communications

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Diffuse Atherosclerosis of Thoracic Aorta Involving Supraaortic and Coronary Arteries: Single-Stage Surgical Revascularization

L. Botta1 , U. Sonker2 , R. H. Heijmen2
  • 1Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
  • 2Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, St. Antonius Ziekenhuis, Nieuwegein, Netherlands
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Publikationsverlauf

Received July 3, 2007

Publikationsdatum:
14. November 2008 (online)

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Introduction

Severe atherosclerosis is an important risk factor for stroke or peripheral embolization in operations requiring cannulation and clamping of the thoracic aorta and for myocardial infarction in patients undergoing other surgical procedures [1], [2]. Proximal disease of all supraaortic branches is rare and can cause a variety of manifestations depending on the degree of stenosis, general atherosclerosis and collateral circulation. Nevertheless, some patients may be asymptomatic [3], [4]. Few data are available on simultaneous occlusive disease of the brachiocephalic and heart vessels and their management. We propose a single-stage approach for this complex entity.