Aortic Uncrossing for Circumflex Aorta

Abstract

Circumflex aorta is described as a retroesophageal aortic arch, with opposite-sided descending aorta forming a true vascular ring with ligamentum arteriosum. We report two cases of right-sided circumflex aorta with varied clinical presentation. Computed tomography diagnosed this vascular ring anomaly. The patients were managed with the aortic uncrossing procedure as a primary surgical strategy. Preoperative diagnosis and thorough planning were essential for the successful outcome. The patients did not have any residual symptoms of tracheal and esophageal compression on follow up.

Perfusion During Aortic Arch Surgery—Keep it Physiologic!

“…We read with great interest the case presentation by Kaskar et al in the current issue of the World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery . 1 The authors describe two cases of patients with right circumflex aorta and symptoms resulting from tracheoesophageal compression. They were both treated with the aortic uncrossing procedure, as described by Planché and Lacour-Gayet.…”