Ventral wall defects are extremely rare anomalies that are likely caused by the failure of the ventral wall to close during week 4 of development. We report a case of severe thoracoabdominal wall defect including complete thoracic ectopia cordis and gastroschisis. This combination represents a novel constellation of findings in a single patient. This unique case further demonstrates an anatomic...

BACKGROUND The mechanisms underlying breathing exercises have not been fully elucidated. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the impact of four on breathing exercises (diaphragmatic breathing, inspiratory sighs, sustained maximal inspiration and intercostal exercise) the on breathing pattern and thoracoabdominal motion in healthy subjects. METHOD Fifteen subjects of both sexes, aged 23 ± 1.5 years old a...

HYPOTHESIS Computed tomography (CT) can be used to evaluate patients with anterior abdominal stab wounds (AASWs). DESIGN Prospective observational study. SETTING Academic level I trauma center. PATIENTS AND METHODS All of the patients sustaining AASWs, excluding those with hemodynamic instability, peritonitis, or omental evisceration, were admitted for serial abdominal examinations with o...

The authors describe and analyse their experience gained in performing prosthetic repair of the thoracoabdominal portion of the aorta, combined with open aortic stenting using the Djumbodis uncovered metal stent. Over the period from 2013 to 2015 we performed a total of 16 hybrid interventions. All patients were found to have type B aortic dissection, with their false and true lumens patent. Al...

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the feasibility of dose-modulated retrospective ECG-gated thoracoabdominal aorta CT angiography (CTA) assessing abdominal aortic intimal flap motion and investigate the motion characteristics of intimal flap in acute aortic dissection (AAD). MATERIALS AND METHODS 49 patients who had thoracoabdominal aorta retrospective ECG-gated CTA scan were enrolled. 20 datasets were ...

BACKGROUND Many authors using a hybrid debranching strategy for the treatment of thoracoabdominal pathologies have reported disappointing results and the initial enthusiasm for the technique has given way to criticism and ambiguity. The aim of the present meta-analysis study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the technique in patients with thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms or other aortic...

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage is a routinely used adjunct in thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) surgery which may reduce the incidence of perioperative paraplegia by improving the spinal cord perfusion. However, a small but evident complication rate of lumbar drainage should be considered. We present two rare cases of intracerebellar hematoma possibly due to excessive CSF drainage aft...

Introduction Postoperative paraplegia including paraparesis is a devastating complication after descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (DTAA) and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair surgery. This lecture will be focused on the pathophysiological mechanisms for the development of postoperative paraplegia, the strategies to prevent the development of postoperative paraplegia, and anesthet...

This video depicts a step-by-step description of a totally endovascular approach to treat a patient with thoracoabdominal aneurysm, using a branched stent-graft system. We compare the pre and post-operative computerized tomography and show 3D illustrations and real-life images of the technique.

Conventional open surgical repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) is associated with high perioperative mortality and morbidity risk. Our report of successful treatment of a 56-year-old patient with TAAA involving all visceral arteries and with many comorbidities with a fenestrated stent graft supports its application in high-risk TAAA patients.