[Approaches to the thoracoabdominal aorta].

The authors carried out an experimental comparative study of various approaches to the thoracoabdominal aorta, pointing out advantages and disadvantages thereof. The Crawford approach and modified thoracophrenopararectal access have appeared to comply with all the requirements imposed for optimal visualization and manipulation on the inferior thoracic portion, visceral branches and bifurcation of the aorta, with the wound depth measuring 11- 15 cm, the angle of the operative action (AOA) equalling 100-110 degrees, and the angle of inclination of the operative action axis (AIOAA) amounting to 80- 90degrees. While performing manipulations on the isthmus of the aorta, the most advantageous seems to be the modified thoracophrenopararectal approach (wound depth 11.4 +/- 0.2 cm, angle of the operative action 97.0 +/- 3.7 degrees, and the angle of inclination of the operative action axis - 88.0 +/- 2.0 degrees).