Single-incision, off-pump repair of a right aortic arch with an aberrant left subclavian artery and diverticulum of Kommerell in an adult.

Repairing a complete vascular ring in adults can be challenging. A right aortic arch with an aberrant retro-oesophageal left subclavian artery and persistent diverticulum of Kommerell represents one of the most common variants seen in adults, and the ring is completed by the left-sided ligamentum arteriosum. Most presentations in adults occur secondary to oesophageal compression, resulting in varying degrees of dysphagia. Owing to the difficulty and challenges associated with exposure in adults, it is not unusual for surgeons to offer a two-incision approach or to stage the procedure. We present a detailed surgical technique for a single-incision repair of a right aortic arch with an aberrant retro-oesophageal left subclavian artery via a left posterolateral thoracotomy.