Aortic aneurysm (AA) is a life threatening condition. Large AA carries a substantial risk of rupture. Observational studies have reported a 14.1% annual incidence rate of aortic rupture. Once the aorta has reached a diameter of 6 cm the risk of rupture increases in proportion to the aortic diameter (Elefteriades, 2002). The 5-year cumulative risk of rupture has been estimated to be 31 % among a...

Aneurysms associated with inherited connective tissue disorders (CTD) constitute a specific but important issue in thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) surgery. In this respect, Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) type IV represent the most significant disorders causing aneurysmal dilatation of the thoracic aorta. Marfan syndrome typically causes aortic root dilatation, aortic v...

Although surgical repair of thoracic (TAA) and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) is an effective therapeutic option with excellent long-term results, with a number needed to treat of two, it is also a potentially problematic procedure, owing to both technical difficulties of aortic reconstruction and organ stress suffered in patients who are often elderly and afflicted by multiple comorb...