Treatment of giant aortic aneurysm with tracheal compression and sternal erosion without circulatory arrest

Treatment of huge aneurysms involving the ascending aorta and the aortic arch with compression of the surrounding structures represents a surgical challenge. The case of a patient affected by respiratory insufficiency and sternal erosion caused by chronic giant aortic aneurysm is reported. The use of a stepwise approach and selective cerebral arterial perfusion ensured successful operative management, avoiding circulatory arrest and enabling an expeditious postoperative recovery. (C) 2000 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.