Tabular review of contemporary open surgical repair experiences for treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

Abstract

Open surgical repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) is one of the most challenging operations due to extensive surgical dissection and exposure, risk of complications and need for reconstruction of the aorta and its branches. In the last two decades, endovascular techniques have evolved and now are considered a viable alternative to open surgical repair in patients with suitable anatomy. Regardless of which technique is selected, open or endovascular, reduction of postoperative morbidity and mortality requires large clinical volume, optimal patient selection and a multidisciplinary team that can take care of the surgical, anesthetic, critical care and postoperative issues that occur after these operations. The aim of this article is to summarize the clinical data on open surgical repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms in a schematic tabular format.