SURGICAL-TREATMENT FOR ANEURYSM AND DISSECTION OF PROXIMAL AORTIC SECTIONS

Reference is made to 248 patients surgically treated over the past eleven years for an account of possible approaches and limitations to handling of aneurysms and dissection of proximal parts of the aorta. Surgical action is absolutely indicated for aneurysms of the ascending aorta and aortic arch in which diameters have been enlarged to more than 5 cm. Interventions on the ascending aorta in cases of aneurysm and chronic dissection are characterised by a justifiably low risk. Hospital lethality in the wake of arch surgery is on a declining trend but still is significant. Type A acute aortic dissection will continue to be the main problem in modern cardiovascular surgery. Its per-hour spontaneous lethality amounts to two percent, and it is thus an indication for emergency surgery. The need is underscored for a close after-care network.