Advances in thoracic aortic surgery: Arch replacement with axillary cannulation and thoracic stent grafts

During the past decade, significant advances in thoracic surgery have contributed to a decrease in the morbidity and mortality linked to surgery of the thoracic aorta. Drawing from the experiences at the Quebec Heart Institute, the present article focuses on the improvements in surgery of the aortic arch, mainly the use of the ‘arch-first technique’ and arterial cannulation through the right axillary artery. Furthermore, advances in the treatment of diseases of the descending aorta using thoracic stent grafts are delineated. The importance of establishing dedicated multi-disciplinary teams and follow-up clinics to ensure good outcomes in the treatment of these complex diseases is stressed.