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“Branch-First total arch replacement”: a valuable alternative to frozen elephant trunk in acute type A aortic dissection?

  • Review Article
  • Published:
Indian Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The “Branch-First total arch replacement” technique has been used extensively in both elective and acute situations, including in type A aortic dissection. The focus of the Branch-First technique is to reduce the risk of neurological and end-organ dysfunction associated with arch replacement by optimising neuroprotection, distal organ perfusion and myocardial protection. The Branch-First technique is a valuable alternative to the frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique in type A aortic dissection, providing a stable landing zone for subsequent interventions on the distal aorta should they be required. Combining the Branch-First technique with FET in appropriate cases can further improve outcomes. We discuss the merits of the Branch-First technique, and contrast them to those of FET techniques for repair of type A aortic dissection.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Cardiac Surgery, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

    Michelle Kim & George Matalanis

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  1. Michelle Kim
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  2. George Matalanis
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Correspondence to Michelle Kim.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Kim, M., Matalanis, G. “Branch-First total arch replacement”: a valuable alternative to frozen elephant trunk in acute type A aortic dissection?. Indian J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 38 (Suppl 1), 58–63 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12055-021-01279-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12055-021-01279-x

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