A strategy for safe sternal reentry in patients with pseudoaneurysms of the ascending aorta using the PORT-ACCESS EndoCPB system.

Pseudoaneurysms of the ascending aorta developing after previous aortic or aortic valve surgery pose a high risk of exsanguination upon sternal reentry. In the past, femorofemoral bypass and hypothermic circulatory arrest before sternotomy was the preferred approach. Today, however, availability of the PORT-ACCESS EndoCPB system (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA) allows for endovascular clamping and cardioplegia before sternotomy, avoiding circulatory arrest.