What complex aortic procedures are used at Cleveland Clinic?
Cleveland Clinic surgeons have considerable experience and expertise in performing complex aortic operations, with over 1,000 thoracic aortic procedures performed in 2005. Hybrid Elephant Trunk Procedure The hybrid elephant trunk procedure is one commonly used complex aortic operation recommended for patients who have extensive aortic aneurysms as well as several coexisting medical conditions, particularly respiratory problems. The elephant trunk procedure is a two-stage procedure used to treat extensive aneurysms involving both the ascending aorta and aortic arch, and the descending thoracic or thoracoabdominal aorta.
