Off-Pump Plicating Ascending Aortoplasty With External Wrapping: Magnum in Parvo

Isolated, fusiform aneurysms, exclusively affecting the tubular portion of the ascending aorta, are rare. Surgical treatment aims to change their natural course, reducing individual and cumulative risks of rupture, dissection and death. Open tubular graft replacement still remains the procedure of choice, despite significant risks. In permanent pursuit for optimal, alternative surgical strategy in high-risk patients, less invasive and off-pump plicating ascending aortoplasty with modified external Dacron graft wrapping seems to be a reliable choice. Two (2) consecutive patients were operated on. The same preoperative calculations and slightly different operative techniques were applied regarding surgical exposure and wrapping graft orientation. Immediate and late follow-up (5 years) results were compared. Absolute and indexed target ascending aortic diameters remained acceptable (