ABSTRACT
Advances in surgical technique, cardiovascular anesthesia, mechanical circulatory support, and selective cerebral perfusion, as well as postoperative intensive care, have resulted in safe and effective surgical strategies for approaching aneurysms of the ascending aorta and root. Over the past 50 years, mortality rates for replacement of the proximal aorta have dropped from above 50% to well below 10% at high volume centers of excellence.
