Free rupture of the ascending aorta: successful resuscitation at a regional trauma center.

After sustaining a free rupture of the intrapericardial ascending aorta secondary to blunt chest trauma, a 27-year-old man underwent successful aortic repair. To our knowledge, this is the first time a patient has ever survived this condition. Pericardial tamponade-together with rapid transport to the hospital and an aggressive surgical approach-was a key to the recovery of effective cardiac function and successful aortic repair. Although the patient succumbed to complications 74 days after surgery, this case illustrates the possibility of longterm survival after free rupture of the ascending aorta. The following report emphasizes the technical feasibility of controlling the perforated aortic root in such cases.