Transpericardial extra-anatomic intrathoracic aortic bypass conduits in the management of coarctation of the aorta

Two varied cases of coarctation of the aorta are described, in which transpericardial ascending to descending thoracic aortic conduits were routed around the right atrium, utilizing deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. The approach was through a median sternotomy in two patients. The first case is a 52-year-old female who underwent combined aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis and repair of aortic coarctation distal to the left subclavian artery. The second case was a fifth time reoperation in a 12-year-old girl with recurrent coarctating. Both patients remain well and asymptomatic.