Aortic arch aneurysm complicated with coronary artery disease: still a surgical challenge?

Recent surgical strategies and outcomes for the simultaneous operation of aortic arch repair (AAR) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were reviewed. The surgical treatment of aortic arch aneurysm complicated with coronary artery arteriosclerosis has been a challenge. In spite of recent improvements in cerebral protection during AAR such as deep hypothermia and circulatory arrest with/without retrograde cerebral perfusion, or antegrade selective cerebral perfusion (SCP), additional CABG poses a considerable surgical risk resulting in extremely higher mortality rates when compared with solo AAR. To minimize the cardiac ischemic time, several techniques such as distal coronary artery anastomosis on the perfused fibrillating heart, and coronary artery perfusion through a cardioplegic line during AAR have been employed. Recently, open stent grafting instead of aortic distal anastomosis has been attempted to minimize the cardiopulmonary time and operative complexity. Our recent experience suggested off-pump coronary artery bypass and AAR with the aid of SCP decreased cardiac ischemic time and cardiopulmonary time followed by improved operative morbidity and mortality. Further less-invasive surgical modalities that enhance the adequate myocardial protection and minimize the adverse effect of cardiopulmonary bypass can improve the outcome of this demanding operation for these elderly patients with aortic arch aneurysm and coronary artery occlusive disease.