The purpose of this paper is to give an overview on this entity. The operation is performed when the aneurysm has a diameter of 5 cm or more for patient in good clinical condition, or with symptoms. Patients with increased operative risk are operated for aneurysms of bigger diameter.
Every locations demands a different surgical approach.
Aneurysms of the ascending aorta When anuloaortic ectasia is present the ascending aorta and the valve are replaced with direct reimplantation of the coronary ostia in the conduit. In the absence of anuloaortic ectasia only the ascending aorta is replaced with a sopracoronary conduit. If needed the aortic valve is changed. This location is approached under a period of circulatory arrest, performing first the distal anastomosis. Brachiocephalic vessels are reattached by a single continuous suture to an opening made in the graft.