Aneurysms in the ascending aorta adherent to the sternum after cardiac surgery.

Sternotomy in a patient with an aneurysm in the ascending aorta adherent to the sternum after cardiac surgery can result in fatal hemorrhage or brain damage unless the distal ascending aorta can be identified and secured immediately. A left anterolateral thoracotomy was used in three patients with adherent aneurysms. The distal ascending aorta was isolated, and dissection was performed between the aneurysm and the sternum. There was no complication. This method was safe, and blood loss was minimized.