Aneurysms of the great vessels and their branches.

Aneurysms of the innominate, carotid, subclavian, and vertebral arteries are rare and have a variety of etiologies. Although few contemporary natural history data are available, numerous reports through the years highlight their propensity to cause life-and limb-threatening problems. To lessen the risk of complications from rupture, embolization or thrombosis of the aneurysms, elective repair in good risk patients is recommended. The perioperative morbidity and mortality from these operations can be minimized with careful and thorough preoperative evaluation and meticulous intraoperative techniques.