scholarly journals Structure of the Elastin-Contractile Units in the Thoracic Aorta and How Genes That Cause Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections Disrupt This Structure

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashkan Karimi ◽  
Dianna M. Milewicz
Keyword(s):  
Thoracic Aorta ◽  
Aortic Aneurysms ◽  
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms

scholarly journals Arterial hypertension and aortic root dilatation: an unsolved mystery

2013 ◽  
pp. 6-11
Author(s):  
Alberto Milan ◽  
Francesco Tosello ◽  
Sara Abram ◽  
Ambra Fabbri ◽  
Alessandro Vairo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Thoracic Aorta ◽  
Aortic Root ◽  
Aortic Wall ◽  
Aortic Aneurysms ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms ◽  
Biological Variables ◽  
Aortic Root Dilatation ◽  
Active Debate

Introduction: Acute and chronic aortic syndromes are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Silent risk factors such as arterial hypertension and aortic root dilatation can increase the likelihood of aortic dissection or rupture. The relationship between arterial hypertension and the dimensions of the aortic root dimension is a topic of active debate. Materials and methods: We reviewed the literature on the physiopathology, diagnosis, natural history, and management of thoracic aortic aneurysms. Results: Biological variables influencing the size of the aorta include age, sex, body surface area, pressure values, and stroke volume. Pathologic enlargement of the thoracic aorta can be caused by genetic, degenerative, inflammatory, traumatic, or toxic factors. Studies investigating the correlation between aortic dimensions and arterial pressures (diastolic, systolic, or pulse) have produced discordant results. Discussion: Classically, emphasis has been placed on the importance of hypertension-related degeneration of the medial layer of the aortic wall, which leads to dilatation of the thoracic aorta, reduced aortic wall compliance, and increased pulse pressures. However, there are no published data that demonstrate unequivocally the existence of a pathogenetic correlation between arterial hypertension and aortic root dilatation. Furthermore, there is no evidence that antihypertensive therapy is effective in the management of nonsyndromic forms of aortic root dilatation. An interesting branch of research focuses on the importance of genetic predisposition in the pathogenesis of thoracic aortic aneurysms. Different genetic backgrounds could explain differences in the behaviour of aortic walls exposed to the same hemodynamic stress. Further study is needed to evaluate these focal physiopathological aspects.

Endovascular versus open treatment of degenerative aneurysms of the descending thoracic aorta: a single center experience

Vascular ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joachim Andrassy ◽  
Rolf Weidenhagen ◽  
Georgios Meimarakis ◽  
M Rentsch ◽  
K-W Jauch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endovascular Treatment ◽  
Thoracic Aorta ◽  
Open Surgery ◽  
Aortic Aneurysms ◽  
Descending Thoracic Aorta ◽  
Entire Cohort ◽  
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Open Treatment ◽  
One Year

Multiple reports could show a reduced risk for thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) compared with open treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate our twelve-year TEVAR experience for thoracic aortic aneurysms and compare these results with open repair. All patients who had received either open or endovascular surgery for a degenerative aortic aneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta in our center were evaluated retrospectively. N = 53 TEVAR patients (1997–2008) were included and their course was compared with an open-surgery group of n = 24 patients (1992–2002). The percentage of symptomatic patients was 43% (TEVAR) and 42% (open surgery). Endovascular treatment resulted in a significantly reduced 30-day (5.7% versus 25% P = 0.02) and one-year mortality (19% versus 42% P = 0.05) in the entire cohort. Symptomatic patients benefited the most from TEVAR (30-day mortality: 9% versus 40%, P = 0.06; one-year mortality: 27% versus 70%, P = 0.049) whereas the survival of our asymptomatic patients was not significantly different (30-day mortality: 3% versus 14%, P = 0.22; one-year mortality: 13% versus 21%, P = 0.65). Lastly, Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a significantly improved survival after TEVAR ( P = 0.05) and in particular for the symptomatic patients ( P = 0.003). In conclusion, endovascular treatment for patients with degenerative thoracic aortic aneurysms has significant advantages over open surgery.

Ascending Thoracic Aorta Exhibits Anisotropic Failure Behavior in Shear Lap Testing

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colleen Witzenburg ◽  
Sachin Shah ◽  
Hallie P. Wagner ◽  
Janna Goodrich ◽  
Victor H. Barocas
Keyword(s):  
Arterial Pressure ◽  
Mechanical Behavior ◽  
Thoracic Aorta ◽  
Ascending Aorta ◽  
Aortic Aneurysms ◽  
Failure Behavior ◽  
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms ◽  
Wall Strength ◽  
Imminent Death ◽  
Aneurysm Dissection

Aneurysm dissection and rupture, resulting in imminent death, is the primary risk associated with thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA). Nearly 60% of TAA involves the ascending aorta [1]. Dissection and rupture occur when the remodeled tissue is no longer able to withstand the stresses generated by the arterial pressure. As the ascending TAA grows, however, changes in its mechanical behavior, particularly wall strength, are unknown.

Robotic Replacement of the Descending Thoracic Aorta: An Alternative to Endovascular Therapy?

2006 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 115-118
Author(s):  
Eyal E. Porat ◽  
Peter D. Herrera ◽  
Roy Sheinbaum ◽  
Anthony L. Estrera ◽  
Tam T.T. Huynh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endovascular Treatment ◽  
Thoracic Aorta ◽  
Lung Ventilation ◽  
Aortic Aneurysms ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Dacron Graft ◽  
Descending Thoracic Aorta ◽  
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms

Background Replacement of the descending thoracic aorta is traditionally performed via a left thoracotomy. Endovascular treatment of descending thoracic aortic aneurysms has recently evolved as an alternative treatment for selected patients, yet no long-term results are available. The authors replaced the descending thoracic aorta in a group of pigs with an interposition Dacron graft using a closed-chest, totally robotic technique. Methods Ten pigs, weighing 25 to 45 kg, underwent surgery using the DaVinci robotic surgical system. Under single-lung ventilation and CO2 insufflation, the descending thoracic aorta was completely mobilized. Proximal and distal cross-clamps were applied through separate accessory stab wounds. The mid-descending thoracic aorta was excised. An interposition Dacron graft was robotically sewn in an end-to-end fashion to the descending thoracic aorta using interrupted nitinol clips. Results All animals survived the procedure. Mean aortic clamp time was 55 ± 14 minutes. All anastomoses were completed without difficulty with a mean total anastomotic time of 42 ± 11 minutes. The anastomoses were challenged for bleeding by administrating α1-adrenergic receptor agonists to a systolic blood pressure of 200 mm Hg with no evidence of leak. Discussion Robotic replacement of the thoracic aorta is feasible and reproducible. This procedure provides the standard Dacron graft repair with its known long-term results. The added value of robotic technology to the therapeutic armamentarium in the treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms may be worth the effort required for procedural development. Furthermore, it may serve as a valid alternative to endovascular treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms.

scholarly journals “ELEPHANT TRUNK” AND ENDOVASCULAR STENTGRAFTING – A HYBRID APPROACH TO THE TREATMENT OF EXTENSIVE THORACIC AORTIC ANEURYSM

2013 ◽  
Vol 56 (2) ◽  
pp. 80-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomáš Holubec ◽  
Jan Raupach ◽  
Jan Dominik ◽  
Jan Vojáček
Keyword(s):  
Thoracic Aorta ◽  
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm ◽  
Hybrid Approach ◽  
Giant Aneurysm ◽  
Aortic Aneurysms ◽  
Elephant Trunk ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms ◽  
Ventricular Septum Defect ◽  
Elephant Trunk Technique

A hybrid approach to elephant trunk technique for treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms combines a conventional surgical and endovascular therapy. Compared to surgery alone, there is a presumption that mortality and morbidity is reduced. We present a case report of a 42-year-old man with a giant aneurysm of the entire thoracic aorta, significant aortic and tricuspid regurgitation and ventricular septum defect. The patient underwent multiple consecutive operations and interventions having, among others, finally replaced the entire thoracic aorta with the use of the hybrid elephant trunk technique.

scholarly journals Thoracic aorta aneurysm- a rare cause of chronic backache with mediastinal shadow: case report

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (12) ◽  
pp. 296
Author(s):  
Akash Mathur ◽  
Devleena Gangopadhyay ◽  
Ashutosh Daga ◽  
Puneet Saxena ◽  
Hemant Malhotra
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Thoracic Aorta ◽  
Beta Blockers ◽  
Left Lung ◽  
Lower Lobe ◽  
Symptomatic Treatment ◽  
Aortic Aneurysms ◽  
Aorta Aneurysm ◽  
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms ◽  
Thoracic Aorta Aneurysm

<p class="abstract">Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) are rarely symptomatic. A 55 year old male presents with longstanding chronic backache. CXR showed left hilar shadow with collapse of left lung. Considering the CXR findings and with the patient being chronic smoker a strong possibility of carcinoma lung with bony metastasis was kept and further CECT chest was done. The CECT chest was suggestive of a thoracic aorta aneurysm with thrombosis compressing left principal bronchus and its lower lobar branch resulting in distal area of collapse and consolidation of left lower lobe. These findings were further confirmed on CT angiography. The patient was thus diagnosed as a case of descending thoracic aorta aneurysm probably of atherosclerotic etiology with thrombosis. Patient was started on beta blockers and ACE inhibitors along with supportive and symptomatic treatment and was further transferred to the department of CTVS for surgical intervention. Thus, this case report here signifies that possibility of thoracic aorta aneurysm should always be considered in a patient with chronic backache specially in presence of mediastinal shadow on CXR.</p>

scholarly journals A review of endovascular treatment of thoracic aorta disease

2018 ◽  
Vol 100 (8) ◽  
pp. 662-668 ◽  
Author(s):  
GJS Tan ◽  
PLZ Khoo ◽  
KMJ Chan
Keyword(s):  
Thoracic Aorta ◽  
Open Repair ◽  
Aortic Disease ◽  
Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair ◽  
Aortic Aneurysms ◽  
Endovascular Aortic Repair ◽  
Aortic Diseases ◽  
Thoracic Aortic Disease ◽  
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms ◽  
Aortic Repair

Introduction The development of thoracic endovascular aortic repair has altered the approach and reduced the risk of treating the majority of descending thoracic aortic conditions. Primarily developed for the exclusion of thoracic aortic aneurysms, it is now used in place of open repair surgery for most descending thoracic aortic diseases, and has also been used to treat aortic arch diseases in selected cases. Methods A literature search was conducted of Medline and Embase databases from January 2007 to February 2017, using the key words ‘aortic disease’, ‘thoracic aorta’ and ‘endovascular repair’; 205 articles were identified, of which 25 studies were selected for review based on their relevance. Findings The key findings of the indications, techniques, outcomes, complications and comparisons with open surgical repair were extracted from the published studies and are summarised in this review. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair is the preferred choice of intervention for patients with descending thoracic aortic disease. With time, it has improved to be safer and has the potential to expand aortic treatment choices in future.

scholarly journals Microbiomes of Inflammatory Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms Due to Giant Cell Arteritis and Clinically Isolated Aortitis Differ From Those of Non-Inflammatory Aneurysms

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ted M. Getz ◽  
Gary Stuart Hoffman ◽  
Roshan Padmanabhan ◽  
Alexandra Villa-Forte ◽  
Eric E. Roselli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Giant Cell Arteritis ◽  
Giant Cell ◽  
Thoracic Aorta ◽  
Temporal Artery ◽  
Aortic Aneurysms ◽  
Aorta Aneurysm ◽  
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms ◽  
Temporal Arteries ◽  
Principal Coordinates ◽  
Aseptic Conditions

Objective: We sought to characterize microbiomes of thoracic aortas from patients with non-infectious aortitis due to giant cell arteritis (GCA) and clinically isolated aortitis (CIA) and to compare them to non-inflammatory aorta aneurysm controls. We also compared microbiomes from concurrently processed and separately reported temporal arteries (TA) and aortas.Methods: From 220 prospectively enrolled patients undergoing surgery for thoracic aorta aneurysm, 49 were selected. Inflammatory and non-inflammatory cases were selected based on ability to match for age (+/-10 years), gender, and race. Biopsies were collected under aseptic conditions and snap-frozen. Taxonomic classification of bacterial sequences was performed to the genus level and relative abundances were calculated. Microbiome differential abundances were analyzed by principal coordinates analysis.Results : Forty-nine patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms (12 CIA, 14 GCA, 23 non-inflammatory aneurysms) were enrolled. Alpha (P = 0.018) and beta (P = 0.024) diversity differed between specimens from aortitis cases and controls. There were no significant differences between CIA and GCA (P > 0.7). The largest differential abundances between non-infectious aortitis and non-inflammatory control samples includedEnterobacteriaceae, Phascolarctobacterium, Acinetobactor, Klebsiella, and Prevotella. Functional metagenomic predictions with PICRUSt revealed enrichment of oxidative phosphorylation and porphyrin metabolism pathways and downregulation of transcription factor pathways in aortitis compared to controls. Microbiomes of aortic samples differed significantly from temporal artery samples from a companion study, in both control and GCA groups (P = 0.0002).Conclusion: Thoracic aorta aneurysms, far from being sterile, contain unique microbiomes that differ from those found in temporal arteries. The aorta microbiomes are most similar between aneurysms that were associated with inflammation, GCA, and CIA, but differed from those associated with non-inflammatory etiologies. These findings are promising in that they indicate that microbes may play a role in the pathogenesis of aortitis-associated aneurysms or non-inflammatory aneurysms by promoting or protecting against inflammation. However, we cannot rule out that these changes are related to alterations in tissue substrate that favor secondary changes in microbial communities.

scholarly journals Prefailure and Failure Mechanics of the Porcine Ascending Thoracic Aorta: Experiments and a Multiscale Model

2014 ◽  
Vol 136 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sachin B. Shah ◽  
Colleen Witzenburg ◽  
Mohammad F. Hadi ◽  
Hallie P. Wagner ◽  
Janna M. Goodrich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thoracic Aorta ◽  
Axial Direction ◽  
Multiscale Model ◽  
Aortic Aneurysms ◽  
Critical Threshold ◽  
Fiber Network ◽  
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms ◽  
Aortic Media ◽  
The Media ◽  
Complex Architecture

Ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms (ATAA) have a high propensity for dissection, which occurs when the hemodynamic load exceeds the mechanical strength of the aortic media. Despite our recognition of this essential fact, the complex architecture of the media has made a predictive model of medial failure—even in the relatively simple case of the healthy vessel—difficult to achieve. As a first step towards a general model of ATAA failure, we characterized the mechanical behavior of healthy ascending thoracic aorta (ATA) media using uniaxial stretch-to-failure in both circumferential (n = 11) and axial (n = 11) orientations and equibiaxial extensions (n = 9). Both experiments demonstrated anisotropy, with higher tensile strength in the circumferential direction (2510 ± 439.3 kPa) compared to the axial direction (750 ± 102.6 kPa) for the uniaxial tests, and a ratio of 1.44 between the peak circumferential and axial loads in equibiaxial extension. Uniaxial tests for both orientations showed macroscopic tissue failure at a stretch of 1.9. A multiscale computational model, consisting of a realistically aligned interconnected fiber network in parallel with a neo-Hookean solid, was used to describe the data; failure was modeled at the fiber level, with an individual fiber failing when stretched beyond a critical threshold. The best-fit model results were within the 95% confidence intervals for uniaxial and biaxial experiments, including both prefailure and failure, and were consistent with properties of the components of the ATA media.

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