Resection of Lung Cancer Involving the Aorta

The early and long-term results from surgery for locally advanced T4 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has significantly improved over the past 20 years. Resection of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) invading the aorta can be safely performed in well-selected patients. In most situations, the aortic adventitia can be resected to obtain adequate margins. However, when the tumor extends into the media, resection and reconstruction of the aorta is required. In these situations, the approach depends on the location of the tumor along the aortic arch or the descending aorta. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and thoracic endografts have provided improved technology to facilitate aortic resection. Thoracic endografts are particularly helpful for tumors invading the aortic arch or the spine in combination with the descending aorta.