Total arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk technique for Kommerell's diverticulum with a right-sided aortic arch and aberrant left subclavian artery

J Cardiothorac Surg. 2023 Nov 10;18(1):317. doi: 10.1186/s13019-023-02425-9.

Abstract

Background: Kommerell's diverticulum with a right-sided aortic arch and aberrant left subclavian artery is uncommon. We perforemed a single-stage procedure with the frozen elephant trunk technique.

Case presentation: A 62-year-old man underwent aortic dissection a year ago, and computerized tomographic angiography performed at that time revealed a right aortic arch, Kommerell's diverticulum (42 mm), and an aberrant left subclavian artery. We performed one-stage repair through median sternotomy. The cervical branches were exposed during the operation, and a deep hypothermic circulatory arrest with antegrade cerebral perfusion was established. The aorta was transected distally to the origin of the left carotid artery. We inserted a stent graft into the aorta, followed by peripheral anastomosis using a premade 5-branch Dacron graft. The right subclavian artery and the aorta were reconstructed, and the remaining cervical branches were reconstructed after the cross-clamp had been released.

Conclusions: Total arch replacement through median sternotomy was performed for the right aortic arch, Kommerell's diverticulum, and aberrant left subclavian artery. The frozen elephant trunk technique is allowed to perform a one-stage operation safely.

Keywords: Aberrant left subclavian artery; Frozen elephant trunk technique; Kommerell’s diverticulum; Right aortic arch; Total arch replacement.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aorta, Thoracic / surgery
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation* / methods
  • Cardiovascular Abnormalities
  • Diverticulum* / surgery
  • Heart Defects, Congenital* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Subclavian Artery / abnormalities
  • Subclavian Artery / surgery

Supplementary concepts

  • Aberrant subclavian artery