Open Distal Anastomosis in the Frozen Elephant Trunk Technique: Initial Experiences and Preliminary Results of Arch Zone 2 Versus Arch Zone 3

Open distal anastomosis in the frozen elephant trunk operation is usually performed in aortic arch zone 2 or 3. The authors compared outcomes in patients who underwent zone 2 versus 3 open distal anastomosis. They found that proximallization of the anastomosis simplifies the arch replacement, reducing the visceral ischaemia time.