Combined resection of the descending aorta under a simple temporary bypass for advanced lung cancer invading the aorta

Three patients with advanced lung cancer invading the descending aorta underwent concomitant resection under a simple temporary bypass using thin-wall metallic cannulas. In each case, invasion to the descending aorta was suspected by CT and MRI. In case 1, resection of adventitia of the aorta was performed under a temporary bypass between the left subculavian artery and the descending aorta. In case 2 and 3, tubular resection and reconstruction of the aorta were carried out under a temporary bypass between proximal site of descending aorta from involved level and distal site. Complete resections of tumors were performed in all cases. During and after operation, vital signs were stable and no ischemic disorder of lower limbs and abdominal organs were observed. Case 1 died 7 months postoperatively because of recurrence in small intestine. Case 2 and 3 are alive at present, 21 and 5 months postoperatively, respectively. This procedure has advantages of safety, simplicity, and low invasiveness, in the cases the left subcuravian artery or the descending aorta is available for proximal site of the temporary bypass.