Misleading Algorithms in the Treatment of Thoracic Aortic Injuries

Traumatic Thoracic Aortic Injuries

T raumatic blunt injury to the thoracic aorta is one of the most formidable challenges surgeons face. This devastating condition can lead to immediate death at the time of injury in the majority of cases, due in part to either aortic transection or acute rupture.1 Although blunt aortic injury accounts for less than 1% of all adult level I trauma center admissions, this condition represents the ...

Endovascular management of traumatic thoracic aortic injuries.

BACKGROUND Endovascular surgery has recently been extended to the treatment of blunt traumatic aortic injuries. Since most of these injuries occur at the aortic isthmus, graft fixation in proximity to the origin of the left subclavian artery (LSA) has been a concern. Covering the LSA with graft fabric lengthens the proximal fixation site and should minimize proximal endoleaks. We therefore wish...

endovascular repair of blunt traumatic thoracic aortic injuries

Treatment of Thoracic Aortic Diseases Petri Saari Endovascular Treatment of Thoracic Aortic Diseases

Thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections can lead to devastating complications and eventually to premature death. A diseased segment of the aorta has traditionally been replaced with a surgical prosthesis. Open surgery is, unfortunately, associated with relatively high mortality and morbidity. Stent graft treatment was introduced on the side of open surgery 20 years ago, and there have been hi...

Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injuries: New Perspectives in Management

Blunt thoracic aortic injuries (BTAIs) present a great challenge because of their potentially fatal outcomes. Recent advancements in their management have proved to be beneficial in terms of various parameters, including mortality and complications. Endovascular repair is now the treatment of choice in most centres and is continuously replacing the traditional open surgical method. We present a...