Treatment of giant aortic aneurysm with tracheal compression and sternal erosion without circulatory arrest

Treatment of huge aneurysms involving the ascending aorta and the aortic ar ch with compression of the surrounding structures represents a surgical cha llenge. The case of a patient affected by respiratory insufficiency and ste rnal erosion caused by chronic giant aortic aneurysm is reported. The use o f a stepwise approach and selective cerebral arterial perfusion ensured suc cessful operative management, avoiding circulatory arrest and enabling an e xpeditious postoperative recovery. (C) 2000 by The Society of Thoracic Surg eons.