A Novel Approach for Emergency Repair of Intraoperative Type A Aortic Dissection Through a Left Thoracotomy

Abstract

We observed a case of intraoperative type A dissection during open descending and thoracoabdominal aortic replacement. It is difficult to obtain optimal access to the ascending aorta and aortic root through a left thoracotomy. Transection of the pulmonary trunk provided excellent exposure of the ascending aorta and aortic root, and we successfully managed this devastating adverse event.