“Cobrahead” graft for intercostal artery implantation during descending aortic replacement

Abstract

A technique for a separate sidearm graft (“cobrahead”) to facilitate reattachment of intercostal arteries in descending aortic replacement is described. The technique allows for very prompt restoration of spinal cord blood flow (via a Y attachment from the arterial perfusion circuit). The technique permits a simple, quick, and fully accessible anastomosis, technically more facile than the traditional side-to-side anastomosis. None of 7 patients treated with this technique had early or late paraplegia. Preliminary computed tomographic follow-up scans confirm patency of the cobrahead graft.