Combined median sternotomy and posterior lateral thoracotomy: a method for proximal and distal thoracic aortic exposure.

A method for exposure of the heart, ascending aorta, aortic arch vessels, and descending thoracic aorta in a single surgical field is presented. Five illustrative cases are reviewed. Indications for use include trauma to the aorta and arch vessels, aneurysms or dissections, ductus aneurysms, or complex or secondary coarctations of the aorta.