Bicuspid Aortic Foundation View From Here May and June 2009

Eight years ago, at the end of May in 2001, Dr. Sharo Raissi performed surgery on my husband to remove a 5.2 cm ascending aortic aneurysm. His entire ascending aorta and an area on the underside of his arch were replaced with Dacron. In order to do this work adjacent to and under the arch, total circulatory arrest was used - meaning that for 23 minutes he was very cold, his head was packed in ice, there was no blood flow, and no electrical activity in his brain. In the area near his prosthetic aortic valve, his aortic root was "remodeled", leaving the coronary arteries still attached to his own aortic tissue.

I had little idea of all that was involved that day. I only knew there was a dangerously bulging aorta in my husband's chest that needed to be removed. How clearly I remember the feeling of relief that washed over me when a nurse came out and told me that the aneurysm was completely gone. It was a wonderfully successful surgery. He was discharged on the third morning after surgery and recovered beautifully. Later I learned about the importance of the surgical techniques that were used that day.

The quest for advancement in the treatment of thoracic aortic disease continues today. The Bicuspid Aortic Foundation is greatly honored and deeply thankful for the pioneering aortic surgeons who, as members of our Scientific Advisory Board, encourage us in our efforts to reach out to patients and families with thoracic aortic disease. We are also deeply grateful that their expertise helps other surgeons care for aortic patients around the world. Examples of this are the presentations made by Dr. Griepp, Dr. Kazui, and Dr. Kouchoukos at the 2008 AATS Annual Meeting in San Diego. Following are links to those presentations, which focused on surgery for aortic dissection:

Dr. Randall Griepp: Surgical Management of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection

Dr. Teruhisa Kazui: Aortic Dissection; Total Arch Replacement with Multiple Branched Grafts

Dr. Nicholas Kouchoukos: One Stage Extensive Replacement of the Thoracic Aorta Using the Arch First Technique

Dr, Randall Griepp, Dr. Lars Svensson, Dr. Teruhisa Kazui, Dr. Nicholas Kouchoukos: Aortic Dissection Panel Discussion (Please note Dr. Svensson's comment that BAV patients compose 15% of dissections.)

For all those who may need aortic surgery now or in the future, may you find the information and expertise that you need to help you. And may those entrusted with your care be encouraged in their continuing pursuit of excellence in the treatment of aortic disease.

For it is patients,
their families,
and their physicians,
all working together,
who create a climate of hope.

Sincerely,

Arlys Velebir

Chair, Board of Directors
Bicuspid Aortic Foundation

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