Thoracic and Thorocoabdominal Aneurysms
The aorta is the main blood vessel arising from the heart. It carries blood to all parts of the body. When it becomes damaged or weak from atherosclerosis (hardening of the blood vessels), it can dilate and is referred to as an aneurysm. Most aneurysms arise below the kidney arteries (Infra-renal AAA) in the abdomen. When the dilatation occurs in the aorta in the chest it is termed thoracic aneurysm. If it involves both the chest and abdomen than referred to as thorocoabdominal aneurysm.
Repair of these can be performed endoluminally ( using stents from the groin) or major open surgery. They also represent significant management challenge as repair both endoluminally or open surgical methods are complex.