OUTCOME OF THE RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY ON THE AORTIC ARCH VESSELS

Abstract

Durng the recent 12 years from 1976 to 1988, 26 procedures of reconstruction on the aortic arch vessels were made in 19 patients. There were 5 cases of aortitis syndrome, 11 of arteriosclerosis, and each one of thoracic outlet syndrome and left subclavian aneurysm, anomalous branches, and Behcet disease. Sixteen operations with 17 grafts (14 synthetic and 3 autoveins) were performed for 13 patients. The synthetic grafts in 2 cases of aortitis, and one of arteriosclerosis, and autovein graft in one case of Behcet disease occluded within 2 years after the operation.No operative death was observed but 3 cases were reoperated on, which comprised of each one of aortitis, arteriosclerosis, and Behcet disease.Nine endarterectomies for 6 patients were carried out and one reoperation using a patch extended was experienced. It is concluded that we can expect almost a satisfactory result from endarterectomy, but bypass operation still has many problems including the choice of grafts.