A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a condition in which weakening of the wall of the aorta leads to a localized dilatation of the vessel. In an aortic dissection, there is leakage of blood between the layers of the vessel wall. Aneurysms and dissections may rupture, causing massive internal bleeding. Rupture of the thoracic aorta has high mortality, even with treatment. Conventional surgery for aneurysms of the thoracic aorta involves replacing the affected part of the aorta with a synthetic graft.
Aortic dissections may be managed medically or surgically, depending on the site involved and whether there are complicating features. Endovascular stentâ “graft placement involves inserting a metallic stent covered with graft material inside the aorta. This is usually achieved by catheterizing the femoral arteries. The stentâ “graft is positioned and deployed using X-ray guidance. A systematic…
