Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 30, 2026

Murine Surgical Model of Topical Elastase Induced Descending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
08:33

Murine Surgical Model of Topical Elastase Induced Descending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

Published on: August 24, 2019

Surgical Management of Giant Descending Aortic Thrombus Detected by Transesophageal Echocardiography

Modi1, Longo, Kopf

  • 1Department of Surgery, Section of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut

The International Journal of Angiology : Official Publication of the International College of Angiology, Inc
|November 4, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Giant aortic thrombi, increasingly detected with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), can cause peripheral emboli. Surgical removal and anticoagulation effectively treated three patients with unexplained emboli from descending aorta thrombi.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Giant thrombi in the descending aorta are increasingly identified as a source of peripheral emboli.
  • Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has improved the recognition of these aortic thrombi.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the successful management of patients with multiple unexplained peripheral emboli originating from descending aorta thrombi.

Main Methods:

  • Case series of three patients presenting with unexplained peripheral emboli.
  • Diagnostic evaluation including transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).
  • Surgical intervention: aortic thrombectomy.
  • Long-term anticoagulation therapy.

Main Results:

  • Identification of giant descending aorta thrombi as the source of emboli in all three patients.
  • Successful treatment with aortic thrombectomy.
  • Absence of recurrent embolic events with long-term anticoagulation.

Conclusions:

  • Giant descending aorta thrombi are a significant cause of peripheral embolization.
  • Aortic thrombectomy combined with long-term anticoagulation is an effective treatment strategy.

More Related Videos

Novel and Innovative Hybrid Technique for Type A Aortic Dissection06:26

Novel and Innovative Hybrid Technique for Type A Aortic Dissection

Published on: March 28, 2025

Modified Octopus Technique for Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm04:56

Modified Octopus Technique for Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Published on: August 1, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care01:26

Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care

Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...
Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management01:22

Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management

Vigilant monitoring for aneurysm rupture is essential for patients undergoing aortic surgery.Preoperative Nursing ManagementContinuously monitor the patient for manifestations of aneurysm rupture, such as pallor, weakness, tachycardia, hypotension, abdominal, back, groin, or periumbilical pain, changes in consciousness, and a pulsating abdominal mass. Regularly assess the patient's peripheral pulses.Instruct the patient to consume a clear liquid diet the day before surgery and administer...
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:29

Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...