Where would the cross clamp be placed when repairing a descending aortic dissection?

When addressing a descending aortic dissection, the appropriate placement of the cross clamp is critical for effective surgical intervention. Placing the cross clamp distal to the left subclavian artery is the correct choice because it allows for the isolation of the dissection while preserving blood flow to the upper body and remaining vital organs.

This positioning is important as it minimizes the risk of ischemia to the arms and head, which receive their blood supply from branches of the aortic arch. Additionally, clamping distal to the left subclavian artery helps maintain perfusion to these areas, allowing for more extensive and safer repair of the descending aorta.

In cases of aortic dissection, management should focus on safely addressing the dissection without causing further complications, and clamping distal to the left subclavian artery achieves that goal.