Is thoracic aortic disease a growing problem in Japan?

An article by Okita was recently published in General Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. The paper thoroughly reviewed the surgical treatments for thoracic aortic disease in Japan. Valve-sparing aortic root operation, cerebral protection during aortic arch aneurysmectomy, and spinal cord protection during thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair are discussed in the present editorial.