The “Carpentier” Thoracic Aortic By‐Pass Technique for Management of Descending Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections — A Radiological Perspective

Abstract

The "Carpentier" thoracic aortic bypass procedure is a recently described and, until now, little used surgical technique for the treatment of descending thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections. It involves the placement of a large conduit from the ascending aorta to the distal abdominal aorta through a midline sternotomy incision extended to the umbilicus and the subsequent interruption of the aorta just distal to the left subclavian artery via a left postero-lateral thoracotomy. As radiologists we should be aware of this alternative surgical option so that, in addition to diagnosing and classifying these aneurysms and dissections, we can assist our surgical colleagues in:-- a. The pre-operative assessment of the aorta for bypass grafting including the distal abdominal aorta b. The post-operative monitoring of the anticipated thrombotic occlusion of the descending thoracic aorta to the coeliac axis.