[Long-term results of surgical therapy of thoracic aortic aneurysm (dissection of the ascending aorta)].

Thoracic aneurysms are classified according to the nomenclature of De Bakey (1-3b) or Daily (Stanford A-B). Our early and late results refer to dissections of the ascending aorta with and without aneurysms as well as with and without aortic valve involvement. The distal extension of the dissections was different. Since 1979 45 patients (mean age 48 years, range 23-70 years) were operated, the acute dissections mostly as emergencies after secured diagnosis. The preferred technique was reconstruction of the ascending aorta. However, also other techniques as prosthetic replacement or implantation of an conduit were used. The hospital lethality was 12.5% (n = 6); the late letality 24% (n = 7). The cumulative survival rate after 8 years was 74%.