Preoperative fenestration for type A acute aortic dissection with mesenteric malperfusion

We report a case of a 71-year-old man presenting with acute type A aortic dissection and mesenteric ischemia due to extension of the intimal flap to the mesenteric artery. Because of the severity of the abdominal symptoms, surgical correction of the ascending aorta was delayed. Preoperative percutaneous fenestration was performed successfully, allowing ascending aortic replacement 6 days later. Transverse colon stenosis secondary to preoperative ischemia occurred in the postoperative course. The patient was discharged from hospital with normal intestinal transit 72 days later. (C) 2002 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.