What is descending thoracic aorta?
The descending aorta, also known as the thoracic aorta (Figs 3.26, 3.30), commences where the arch of the aorta ends at the lower border of T4 vertebra. It lies on the left side of the vertebral column in the upper part of the posterior mediastinum.
What is the normal size of the descending thoracic aorta?
The size of the aorta decreases with distance from the aortic valve in a tapering fashion. The normal diameter of the ascending aorta has been defined as <2.1 cm/m2 and of the descending aorta as <1.6 cm/m2. The normal diameter of the abdominal aorta is regarded to be less than 3.0 cm.
How long can you live with a thoracic aortic aneurysm?
Median survival was 6.6 years. The leading cause of death in this cohort was rupture of the thoracic aortic aneurysm, which accounted for 30% of the deaths.
When should a descending aortic aneurysm be repaired?
The decision to treat a thoracic aneurysm with surgery is determined by many factors, including: The presence of symptoms, including chest and back pain, and pain in the jaw, neck and upper back. If the aneurysm is growing more than 1 centimeter (cm) per year.
How serious is a thoracic aortic aneurysm?
A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a serious health risk because, depending on its location and size, it may rupture or dissect (tear), causing life-threatening internal bleeding. When detected in time, a thoracic aortic aneurysm can often be repaired with surgery or other less invasive techniques.
What is considered a small aortic aneurysm?
Treatment of asymptomatic AAAs depends on many factors, but the size of the aneurysm is important, as risk of rupture increases with aneurysm size. Large asymptomatic AAAs (greater than 5.5 cm in diameter) are usually repaired surgically; very small AAAs (less than 4.0 cm diameter) are monitored with ultrasonography.
What is the descending thoracic aorta?
The thoracic aorta, viewed from the left side. The descending thoracic aorta is a part of the aorta located in the thorax. It is the third and last part of the thoracic aorta and is a continuation of the aortic arch. It is located within the posterior mediastinal cavity, but frequently bulges into the left pleural cavity.
Where is the thoracic aorta located at its commencement?
At its commencement, it is situated on the left of the vertebral column; it approaches the median line as it descends; and, at its termination, lies directly in front of the column. The descending thoracic aorta has a curved shape that faces forward, and has small branches. It has a radius of approximately 1.16 cm.
Is the descending aorta more favorable for endovascular treatment?
The anatomy of the descending aorta makes it more favorable for endovascular approaches in some cases, however, more complex problems will still require open surgery. Aneurysms involving the descending and abdominal aorta are classified as thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. Figure 1. Your Descending Aorta and Thoracic Aorta
What is open thoracic aortic replacement (TAA)?
Open surgery involves a large incision in the back and side of the left chest. Ribs are spread. One or more ribs may need to be removed to allow access to the entire aorta from the arch to the diaphragm. The aneurysmal part of the aorta is replaced with a Dacron graft. Illustration of open descending thoracic aortic replacement.