Endovascular treatment of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
What is it?
A thoracic aortic aneurysm is an often asymptomatic dilation of more than 50% of the normal caliber of the vessel.
When is this procedure indicated?
The main cause is atherosclerosis, due to the deposition of cholesterol in the arteries typical of aging. More rarely, it is due to genetic disorders affecting the connective tissue (Marfan, Ehler-Danlos, ..), from trauma or infection. Over the years, the size of the aneurysm tends to increase gradually, when it reaches excessive diameters, to its rupture, resulting in hemorrhage and often death. It is usually discovered occasionally during other investigations (eg, chest X-ray), but the precise diagnosis is made by angioTC.
How is it performed?
Under local anesthesia, through a percutaneous puncture from the groin, using guide wires and catheters, an endoprosthesis (TEVAR) is raised and released at the level of the aneurysm. The purpose of this procedure is to exclude the aneurysmal aorta from the bloodstream, thus preventing its rupture.
Recovery
After the procedure, the patient is monitored for a few days in the ward and then discharged. At home, he/she can gradually resume all daily activities.
Short-term complications
Paraplegia, bleeding, pseudoaneurysms at percutaneous access site.
Long-term complications
Endoleak, or reperfusion of the aneurysmal sac; infections of the prosthesis.
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