Recent developments in surgery of the thoracic aorta

Aortic surgery is under continuous development. This applies to the aortic root where more and more reconstructive efforts are being made but also to intraoperative means of organ protection. Likewise, the endoluminar stent graft approach to downstream pathologies of the aorta has broadened the classical treatment option "replacement" by "exclusion". Some of these evolving changes in operative strategies and indications are discussed on the basis of a single-center experience.