Role of the frozen elephant trunk procedure for chronic aortic dissection

OBJECTIVES: Considering the chronic and progressive nature of aortic dissection, operative planning must anticipate the need for later interventions. We have increasingly used a modified version of the frozen elephant trunk repair operation to treat these patients. We review the indications, considerations for planning, and important operative details for performing frozen elephant trunk repair for chronic aortic dissection. METHODS: Frozen elephant trunk repair is performed using selective antegrade brain perfusion, direct placement of commercially available stent grafts with suture fixation in the aortic arch, and proximal aortic replacement. Details are reviewed. RESULTS: We have published details related to the excellent results for the frozen elephant trunk procedure in patients with chronic dissection. CONCLUSIONS: The modified frozen elephant trunk repair is particularly well suited for patients with chronic aortic dissection who often require multiple operations to address their extensive disease.