[Stenting and stent-grafting of the aorta]

The therapeutical approach to diseases of the descending thoracic and abdominal aorta has dramatically changed over the last decade due to new stent-graft-based endoluminal techniques. In particular elderly patients with a variety of diseases, such as ruptured and asymptomatic aneurysms, acute B-dissections, acute penetrating ulcers, mycotic aneurysms or traumatic aortic injuries will benefit from these minimally invasive alternatives, which can be performed under local anesthesia. As the durability of these devices is not yet proven the patients undergoing endoluminal aortic repair will need life-long clinical and imaging follow-up.