Retroesophageal subclavian artery aneurysm arising from Kommerell's diverticulum

This report describes a novel technique used for management of retroesophag eal subclavian artery aneurysm arising from Kommerell's diverticulum. The p rocedure consists of endoaortic exclusion of the aneurysmal neck, using a p rosthetic patch after sternotomy during circulatory arrest, and antegrade c old blood cerebroplegia. The advantages of this technique are avoidance of hemorrhagic complications during clamping of the aneurysmal neck, limiting of the extent of dissection of the aortic arch, and elimination of the risk of inadvertent left recurrent nerve paralysis. Antegrade cold blood cerebr oplegia provides good cerebral protection and decreases the duration and co nsequences of extracorporeal circulation.