Innominate Artery Cannulation for Proximal Aortic Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of innominate artery cannulation strategy with side-graft technique in proximal aortic pathologies. METHODS: A total of 70 patients underwent innominate artery cannulation with a side graft for surgery on the proximal aorta from 2012 to 2020. There were 46 men and 24 women with an average age of 56±13 years. The indications for surgery were type A aortic dissection in 17 patients (24.3%), aortic aneurysm in 52 patients (74.3%), and ascending aorta pseudoaneurysm in one patient (1.4%). The innominate artery was free of disease in all patients. Hypothermic circulatory arrest with antegrade cerebral perfusion was utilized in 60 patients (85.7%). Three patients had previous sternotomy (4.2%). The most common surgical procedure was ascending aorta with hemiarch replacement in 34 patients (48.5%). RESULTS: The mean cardiac ischemia and cardiopulmonary bypass times were 116+46 minutes and 164+56 minutes, respectively. Mean antegrade cerebral perfusion time was 27+14 minutes. The patients were cooled between 22°C and 30°C during surgery. Thirty-day mortality rate was 7.1% (five patients). One patient (1.4%) had stroke, one patient (1.4%) had temporary neurologic deficit, and eight patients (11.4%) had confusion and agitation that resolved completely in all cases. There was no local complication or arterial injury. CONCLUSION: Cannulation of the innominate artery with side graft is safe and effective for both cardiopulmonary bypass and antegrade cerebral perfusion. This technique provides satisfactory neurologic outcomes for proximal aortic surgery.

Partial Claviculectomy to Relieve Tracheal Compression in an Adult Male with Osteomesopyknosis.

BACKGROUND: The clavicle is a long bone that forms the anterior border of the thoracic inlet. Anatomic abnormalities of the clavicle can lead to compression of the innominate artery and trachea due to mass effect. These anatomic abnormalities can be amenable to surgical resection, which can provide complete resolution of symptoms. METHODS: We present a case of tracheal compression by the innominate artery in an adult man, caused by a clavicular abnormality due to an underlying bone mineralization disorder, corrected by partial resection of the right clavicle. RESULTS: The patient underwent successful open surgical resection of his right clavicular head leading to resolution of his tracheal compression by the innominate artery. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that this is the first description of tracheal compression due to osteomesopyknosis. This case demonstrates that compression of the innominate artery due to a clavicular abnormality can be safely corrected via open surgical resection.

Surgical treatment of pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta in a patient with sepsis

Abstract Pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta (PAA) is a hazardous and potentially fatal cardiovascular disease. This condition is caused by the rupture of at least one layer of the vessel and contained by the remaining vascular layers or the surrounding mediastinal structures. We presented the surgical treatment of a patient with sepsis and large PAA and brachiocephalic trunk, which was compressing the brachiocephalic trunk leading to syncope.

Surgical Treatment of Pseudoaneurysm of the Ascending Aorta in a Patient with Sepsis.

Pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta (PAA) is a hazardous and potentially fatal cardiovascular disease. This condition is caused by the rupture of at least one layer of the vessel and contained by the remaining vascular layers or the surrounding mediastinal structures. We presented the surgical treatment of a patient with sepsis and large PAA and brachiocephalic trunk, which was compressing the brachiocephalic trunk leading to syncope.

Innominate vs. axillary artery cannulation in aortic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objective: To investigate whether axillary artery cannulation has supremacy over innominate artery cannulation in thoracic aortic surgery. Methods: A comprehensive search was undertaken among the four major databases (PubMed, Excerpta Medica dataBASE [EMBASE], Scopus, and Ovid) to identify all randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials comparing axillary to innominate artery cannulation in thoracic aortic surgery. Databases were evaluated and assessed up to March 2017. Results: Only three studies fulfilled the criteria for this meta-analysis, including 534 patients. Cardiopulmonary bypass time was significantly shorter in the innominate group (P=0.004). However, the innominate group had significantly higher risk of prolonged intubation > 48 hours (P=0.04) than the axillary group. Further analysis revealed no significant difference between the innominate and axillary groups for deep hypothermic circulatory arrest time (P=0.06). The relative risks for temporary and permanent neurological deficits as well as in-hospital mortality were not significantly different for both groups (P=0.90, P=0.49, and P=0.55, respectively). Length of hospital stay was similar for both groups. Conclusion: There is no superiority of axillary over innominate artery cannulation in thoracic aortic surgery in terms of perioperative outcomes; however, as the studies were limited, larger scale comparative studies are required to provide a solid evidence base for choosing optimal arterial cannulation site.

Innominate vs. Axillary Artery Cannulation in Aortic Surgery: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether axillary artery cannulation has supremacy over innominate artery cannulation in thoracic aortic surgery. METHODS: A comprehensive search was undertaken among the four major databases (PubMed, Excerpta Medica dataBASE [EMBASE], Scopus, and Ovid) to identify all randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials comparing axillary to innominate artery cannulation in thoracic aortic surgery. Databases were evaluated and assessed up to March 2017. RESULTS: Only three studies fulfilled the criteria for this meta-analysis, including 534 patients. Cardiopulmonary bypass time was significantly shorter in the innominate group (P=0.004). However, the innominate group had significantly higher risk of prolonged intubation > 48 hours (P=0.04) than the axillary group. Further analysis revealed no significant difference between the innominate and axillary groups for deep hypothermic circulatory arrest time (P=0.06). The relative risks for temporary and permanent neurological deficits as well as in-hospital mortality were not significantly different for both groups (P=0.90, P=0.49, and P=0.55, respectively). Length of hospital stay was similar for both groups. CONCLUSION: There is no superiority of axillary over innominate artery cannulation in thoracic aortic surgery in terms of perioperative outcomes; however, as the studies were limited, larger scale comparative studies are required to provide a solid evidence base for choosing optimal arterial cannulation site.

Esternotomia parcial para tratamento de lesão iatrogênica do tronco braquiocefálico durante traqueostomia / Partial sternotomy for management of iatrogenic brachiocephalic trunk injury during tracheotomy

A toracotomia mediana é uma via de acesso que atravessa longitudinalmente o esterno e pode ser subdividida em vertical total, parcial superior e parcial inferior. Na prática cirúrgica, o uso da esternotomia mediana parcial é uma alternativa que proporciona menor agressão cirúrgica. O tronco braquiocefálico é um dos grandes vasos torácicos mais acometidos em traumas e sua abordagem classicamente é feita por esternotomia mediana. Neste trabalho, apresenta-se o uso da esternotomia parcial superior em "T" invertido como possibilidade de via de acesso em situação de lesão traumática iatrogênica do tronco braquiocefálico.

The median thoracotomy is an access incision made longitudinally through the sternum and variants can be subdivided into total vertical and partial upper or partial lower vertical incisions. In surgical practice, using a partial median sternotomy is an alternative option that causes less surgical aggression. The brachiocephalic artery is one of the thoracic vessels most often affected in traumas and it can be accessed via a median sternotomy. This report describes use of an upper partial sternotomy to provide access in a case of traumatic iatrogenic injury of the brachiocephalic trunk.

Lesión transfixiante de tronco arterial braquiocefálico por traumatismo torácico penetrante / Brachiocephalic trunk perforating injury by penetrating thoracic trauma

Las lesiones del tronco arterial braquiocefálico (TABC) son infrecuentes y se han descrito en el contexto de traumatismos penetrantes o contusos de la región torácica y cervical. Son características su elevada morbimortalidad y dificultad diagnóstica. PRESENTACIÓN DEL CASO: Paciente de género masculino, de 19 años, consultó en Servicio de Urgencia por heridas torácicas tras ser agredido por terceros con arma blanca. Ingresó sin deterioro hemodinámico encontrándose en examen físico una herida en la región esterno clavicular derecha y una herida en hemitórax izquierdo dorsal. Se realizó radiografía de tórax que mostró ensanchamiento mediastínico y hemotórax izquierdo mínimo. Por sospecha de lesión vascular se complementó estudio con angiotomografía computada de tórax que mostró doble extravasación del medio de contraste a nivel del TABC, compatible con lesión transfixiante, además de hemomediastino y hemotórax izquierdo mínimo, sin evidencias de lesión de vía aérea o esofágica. Se realizó pleurotomía para tratamiento del hemotórax. Evolucionó en buenas condiciones generales, sin deterioro hemodinámico, porlo que se decidió resolución endovascular por el equipo de Cirugía Vascular Periférica, realizándose instalación de endoprótesis recubierta en TABC, sin incidentes. No presentó complicaciones postoperatorias. Se realizó Angiotomografía de control con endoprótesis in situ. A 9 meses de seguimiento, el paciente está asintomático. DISCUSIÓN: Las lesiones del TABC son graves. El ensanchamiento mediastínico en la radiografía de tórax debe hacer sospechar lesión de grandes vasos y/o troncos supraaórticos, la que se confirma mediante estudio angiográfico en un paciente estable o en la exploración quirúrgica de urgencia, si presenta deterioro hemodinámico...

Brachiocephalic trunk lesions are rare and have been described in the context of penetrating or blunt thoracic and cervical trauma. They have a high morbidity and its diagnostic is difficult. CASE PRESENTATION: A 19 years oldman, presented in emergency room with chest injuries after being attacked with a knife. He entered without hemodynamic deterioration. In physical examination a wound in the right sternoclavicular region and a dorsal wound in the left hemithorax were found. Chest x-ray showed widened mediastinum and minimum left hemothorax. For suspected vascular injury, a chest computed angiotomography was performed, that revealed double extravasation of contrast medium at brachiocephalic trunk, consistent with a perforating injury, hemomediastinum and minimum left hemothorax. It showed no evidence of airway oresophageal injuries. Pleurotomy was performed for hemothorax treatment. He evolved in good general condition, without hemodynamic deterioration. Endovascular resolution was decided by Vascular Surgery team. A coated stent in the brachiocephalic trunk was installed without incidents. No postoperative complications were presented. The control angiotomography showed stent in situ. At 9 -month follow-up, the patient is asymptomatic. DISCUSSION: Brachiocephalic trunk injuries are serious. A injury of great vessels and/or supraaortic trunks should be suspected with a image of widened mediastinum on chest x ray, and it is confirmed by angiography in a stable patient or by emergency surgical exploration, if hemodynamic deterioration is present...

Stent graft placement for a tracheoinnominate artery fistula.

A 68-year-old woman with ventilator-dependent respiratory failure and multiple comorbidities developed acute massive hemoptysis. Computed tomographic angiogram revealed a 3.9-cm pseudoaneurysm arising from the innominate artery abutting the trachea. The patient was successfully treated with stent graft insertion via the right common carotid artery, with exclusion of the aneurysm from the proximal innominate to the right common carotid artery, with ligation of the proximal right subclavian artery and right common carotid to subclavian artery bypass. The patient remained medically stable for 3 months after the procedure with no evidence of endoleak or infection. She then developed recurrent hemoptysis with fatal cardiac arrest. Open surgical repair has been the treatment of choice for tracheoinnominate artery fistula. However, direct repair confers a high mortality risk. Endovascular exclusion offers a less invasive treatment option for tracheoinnominate artery fistula and can serve as a bridge for patients with potential for becoming better surgical candidates.

Estenose aórtica supravalvar em adulto com anomalia de vasos da base e insuficiência aórtica / Supravalvular aortic stenosis in adult with anomalies of aortic arch vessels and aortic regurgitation

A estenose aórtica supravalvar é uma rara cardiopatia congênita, bastante incomum em adultos. Apresentamos um caso de estenose aórtica supravalvar em adulto com anomalia de vasos do arco aórtico, já com presença de insuficiência aórtica importante, tratado com êxito por meio de plastia da aorta ascendente e troca valvar aórtica.

The supravalvular aortic stenosis is a rare congenital heart defect being very uncommon in adults. We present a case of supravalvular aortic stenosis in adult associated with anomalies of the aortic arch vessels and aortic regurgitation, which was submitted to aortic valve replacement and arterioplasty of the ascending aorta with a good postoperative course.

Supravalvular aortic stenosis in adult with anomalies of aortic arch vessels and aortic regurgitation.

The supravalvular aortic stenosis is a rare congenital heart defect being very uncommon in adults. We present a case of supravalvular aortic stenosis in adult associated with anomalies of the aortic arch vessels and aortic regurgitation, which was submitted to aortic valve replacement and arterioplasty of the ascending aorta with a good postoperative course.

Simultaneous myocardial and supra-aortic trunks revascularization.

We report the case of a 58-year-old patient, with a three vessel disease with unstable angina. Due to refractory angina, she was referred to urgent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). In the preoperative evaluation were found severe obstructive lesions in the brachiocephalic trunk origin, left common carotid origin and left internal carotid artery. The patient underwent CABG, supra-aortic trunks revascularization (extra-anatomic bypass) and carotid endarterectomy in the same procedure. She presented an uneventful recovery and was discharged home on the seventh postoperative day. Currently, two years after the procedure, she continues under follow-up, symptomless.

Revascularização simultânea do miocárdio e dos troncos supra-aórticos / Simultaneous myocardial and supra-aortic trunks revascularization

Relatamos o caso de uma paciente de 58 anos com síndrome coronariana aguda, com acometimento triarterial. Em decorrência de angina refratária, foi indicada cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio (RM) de urgência. Na avaliação pré-operatória, foram detectadas lesões obstrutivas na origem do tronco braquiocefálico, artérias carótida comum esquerda e carótida interna esquerda. A paciente foi submetida, concomitantemente, a RM e revascularização dos troncos supra-aórticos (bypass extra-anatômico), além de endarterectomia da artéria carótida interna esquerda. A paciente teve uma boa evolução, com alta hospitalar no sétimo dia pós-operatório. Atualmente, dois anos após o procedimento, encontra-se em acompanhamento ambulatorial, assintomática.

We report the case of a 58-year-old patient, with a three vessel disease with unstable angina. Due to refractory angina, she was referred to urgent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). In the preoperative evaluation were found severe obstructive lesions in the brachiocephalic trunk origin, left common carotid origin and left internal carotid artery. The patient underwent CABG, supra-aortic trunks revascularization (extra-anatomic bypass) and carotid endarterectomy in the same procedure. She presented an uneventful recovery and was discharged home on the seventh postoperative day. Currently, two years after the procedure, she continues under follow-up, symptomless.

Tratamiento endovascular de lesiones traumáticas de troncos supra aórticos / Endovascular treatment of traumatic supra aortic trunk lesions

Introduction: Traumatic lesions of supra aortic trunks (SAT) have an elevated morbidity and mortality, and its treatment is technically challenging. Endovascular techniques offer an effective solution with a lower risk, making it an attractive alternative. Objectives: Retrospective review of all the patients with SAT lesions treated with endovascular techniques. Results: Between March 2000 to August 2009, 8 patients were treated, 6 men, mean age 33.6 years. Three patients suffered blunt and 5 a penetrating trauma. The injured vessels were subclavian artery in 5, brachiocephalic trunk in two and common carotid in one. Of the 5 patients with subclavian artery injury, three had associated brachial plexus injury. Six patients were treated with an endo-graft and one with coil-embolization. One patient suffered an early partial collapse of his endograft, requiring an additional bare metal stent to maintain patency. In this series there was neither neurological morbidity nor operative mortality. Follow-up is 24.3 months, and primary assisted patency is 100 percent at 21.9 months with two patients lost to follow-up. Conclusions: Endovascular treatment of SAT lesions is effective, showing low morbidity and mortality with a good mid-term patency.

Introducción: Las lesiones traumáticas de troncos supra aórticos (TSA) tienen elevada morbimor-talidad, y su tratamiento presenta un desafío técnico. Las técnicas endovasculares se presentan como una alternativa atractiva y de menor riesgo para su solución efectiva. Objetivos: Evaluar los resultados del tratamiento endovascular de las lesiones de TSA. Material y Método: Se revisaron retrospectivamente todos los pacientes sometidos a tratamiento endovascular de lesiones de TSA. Resultados: Entre Marzo de 2000 y Agosto de 2009 se intervinieron 8 pacientes, 6 hombres, edad promedio 33,6 años. El mecanismo traumático fue contuso en 3 y penetrante en 5. Los vasos afectados fueron arteria subclavia en 5, tronco braquiocefálico en 2 y carótida común en uno. De los pacientes con lesión subclavia, tres presentaron compromiso de plexo braquial asociado. Siete pacientes fueron tratados con implante de endoprótesis y uno mediante embolización. Un paciente requirió un stent no cubierto para tratar el colapso parcial precoz de una endoprótesis. No hubo morbilidad neurológica de novo ni mortalidad operatoria. El seguimiento clínico promedio es 24,3 meses. Dos pacientes se perdieron al seguimiento. La permeabilidad primaria asistida es 100 por ciento a 21,9 meses. Conclusiones: El tratamiento endovascular de lesiones de TSA es efectivo, con baja morbimortalidad y con buena permeabilidad a mediano plazo.

Anatomical variation of the brachiocephalic trunk and common carotid artery in neck dissection / Variación anatómica del tronco braquicefálico y arteria carótida común en disecciones de cuello

Variations in the trajectory of the brachiocephalic trunk and the common carotid artery predispose to disorders which might be critical in a tracheotomy and/or surgeries. Dissection of 110 formol fixed adult cadavers, both sexes, were performed to increase the anatomic knowledge of the neck vessels and its variations. Cadavers were from the Laboratory of Descriptive and Topographic Anatomy of the Federal University of São Paulo- Paulista Medical School- UNIFESP-EPM. In 109 of these cadavers no variations were found while in one (0.9%) it was possible to observe a variation in the trajectory of the brachiocephalic trunk and in the right common carotid artery.

Las variaciones en el trayecto del tronco braquiocefálico y de la arteria carótida común predisponen a complicaciones que pueden ser fatales durante una traqueotomía y/o cirugías. Con el objetivo de ampliar el conocimiento anatómico de estos vasos del cuello y de sus variaciones, decidimos diseccionar 110 cadáveres, formalizados, adultos, de ambos los sexos, provenientes del Laboratorio de Anatomía Descriptiva y Topográfica de la Universidad Federal de São Paulo-Escuela Paulista de Medicina ¡ UNIFESP-EPM. En 109 (99,1%) de los cadáveres no encontramos variaciones En un caso (0,9%) observamos variación en el trayecto del tronco braquiocefálico y de la arteria carótida común derecha.

[Aortic arch surgery with bilateral cerebral perfusion by isolation of brachiocephalic trunk and left carotid artery]. / Cirurgia do arco aórtico com perfusão cerebral bilateral pelo isolamento do tronco braquiocefálico e da artéria carótida esquerda.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of a technique described by Carreira et al. using bilateral antegrade selective cerebral perfusion by isolating the brachiocephalic trunk and the left carotid artery. METHODS: Fifteen patients were operated between June 2005 and September 2007. Data analysis were performed using Epi Info and statistical significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: Of the 15 patients, 53.3% were male; mean age was 59.86+/-15.4 years; 60% presented with type A acute aortic dissection; 6.7% type B; and 33.3% aneurysm of aorta and arch. Mean CPB and aortic clamping time was 177.6+/-39.4 and 135.9+/-34.0 minutes, respectively. In this group, 86.7% were not submitted to total circulatory arrest, with mean unilateral and bilateral selective cerebral perfusion time of 10.9+/-2.0 and 57.2+/-21.2 minutes, respectively. Mean hypothermic temperature was 23.0+/-2.9 masculineC. Two had left subclavian artery ligature, 60% used separated aortic grafts, and four used aortic endoprosthesis. Three (20%) patients died, all of them in the acute aortic dissection group. There were no neurological complications. The mean follow up time was 11.7+/-9.6 months. Regarding mortality, none of the parameters were statistically significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The technique of bilateral selective cerebral perfusion described by Carreira et al. can be performed by others and presents similar results to the international literature. The excellent neurological outcome and easy bleeding control on surgical sutures lines are the major advantages of this new procedure.

Cirurgia do arco aórtico com perfusão cerebral bilateral pelo isolamento do tronco braquiocefálico e da artéria carótida esquerda / Aortic arch surgery with bilateral cerebral perfusion by isolation of brachiocephalic trunk and left carotid artery

OBJETIVO: Estudar os resultados da técnica descrita por Carreira et al. com utilização de perfusão cerebral seletiva bilateral (PCSAB) pelo isolamento do tronco braquiocefálico e artéria carótida esquerda. MÉTODOS: Quinze pacientes foram operados consecutivamente entre de junho de 2005 e setembro de 2007. Os dados foram analisados por programa informatizado Epi Info e significância estatística com p<0,05. RESULTADOS: No grupo analisado, 53,3 por cento dos pacientes eram do sexo masculino e a idade média era de 59,86±15,4 anos. Com relação à doença de base, 60 por cento dos pacientes apresentavam dissecção aguda do tipo A, 6,7 por cento tipo B e 33,3 por cento aneurisma da aorta e arco. O tempo médio de CEC e de anoxia foi de 177,6±39,4 e 135,9±34,0 minutos, respectivamente. Nesse grupo, 86,7 por cento dos pacientes não foram submetidos a parada circulatória total, com tempo médio de PCSA unilateral e bilateral de 10,9±2,0 e 57,2±21,2 minutos, respectivamente. A temperatura média da hipotermia foi de 23,0±2,9ºC. A artéria subclávia esquerda foi ligada em dois (13,3 por cento) pacientes, e nove (60 por cento) foram submetidos a anastomoses proximal e distal com tubos separados. Utilizou-se endoprótese vascular na aorta descendente em quatro (26,7 por cento) pacientes. Três (20 por cento) pacientes morreram, todos do subgrupo de dissecção aguda. Nenhum dos sobreviventes apresentou seqüelas neurológicas, com média de acompanhamento tardio de 11,7±9,6 meses. Nenhum dos fatores estudados apresentou relação estatisticamente significativa com a mortalidade (p>0,05). CONCLUSÃO: A técnica de PCSAB é reprodutível e apresenta resultados semelhantes aos da literatura mundial. A excelente evolução neurológica e o fácil controle de sangramentos nas linhas de sutura podem ter contribuído com os resultados obtidos.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of a technique described by Carreira et al. using bilateral antegrade selective cerebral perfusion by isolating the brachiocephalic trunk and the left carotid artery. METHODS: Fifteen patients were operated between June 2005 and September 2007. Data analysis were performed using Epi Info and statistical significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: Of the 15 patients, 53.3 percent were male; mean age was 59.86±15.4 years; 60 percent presented with type A acute aortic dissection; 6.7 percent type B; and 33.3 percent aneurysm of aorta and arch. Mean CPB and aortic clamping time was 177.6±39.4 and 135.9±34.0 minutes, respectively. In this group, 86.7 percent were not submitted to total circulatory arrest, with mean unilateral and bilateral selective cerebral perfusion time of 10.9±2.0 and 57.2±21.2 minutes, respectively. Mean hypothermic temperature was 23.0±2.9ºC. Two had left subclavian artery ligature, 60 percent used separated aortic grafts, and four used aortic endoprosthesis. Three (20 percent) patients died, all of them in the acute aortic dissection group. There were no neurological complications. The mean follow up time was 11.7±9.6 months. Regarding mortality, none of the parameters were statistically significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The technique of bilateral selective cerebral perfusion described by Carreira et al. can be performed by others and presents similar results to the international literature. The excellent neurological outcome and easy bleeding control on surgical sutures lines are the major advantages of this new procedure.

Endovascular repair of an innominate artery true aneurysm.

PURPOSE: To describe endovascular repair of a large aneurysm of the innominate artery in a patient with episodes of transient cerebral ischemia. CASE REPORT: A 44-year-old man with a history of transient hemiparesis and aphasia demonstrated a large mass in the upper right hemithorax on chest radiography. Systolic brachial pressure in the right arm was 100 mm Hg versus 130 mm Hg in the left. Imaging disclosed a large 12-mm-diameter aneurysm involving the brachiocephalic trunk 1 cm above its origin and the first portion of the right subclavian artery, which was occluded after the dilated segment. The aneurysm was treated with a tapered endograft made from polyester graft attached to a Palmaz stent inserted via a carotid artery arteriotomy. The distal end of the graft was anastomosed to the common carotid artery. Completion angiography showed exclusion of the aneurysm, which has been confirmed by imaging at 21 months. After 2 years, the patient is free from neurological symptoms and has a strong carotid pulse; no arm claudication developed. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular correction of innominate artery aneurysms is feasible whenever there is an adequate proximal neck for attachment. In these cases, thoracotomy may be avoided.

Massive tracheal necrosis due to compression by an innominate artery aneurysm associated with a grade IV Chagasic megaesophagus and chronic duodenal ulcer.

A 49-year-old man suffered necrosis of the cephalad tracheal segment due to compression by an innominate artery aneurysm. A peritracheal abscess, a grade IV chagasic megaesophagus, and a duodenal ulcer were also present. The patient underwent a three-stage surgical treatment, and 7 years later he is doing well, and breathing and eating normally.