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Updated: May 26, 2026
04:56
Modified Octopus Technique for Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Published on: August 1, 2025
Floating thrombus originating from an almost normal thoracic aorta
Osamu Namura1, Masakazu Sogawa, Fuyuki Asami
1Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan. onamura@med.niigata-u.ac.jp
General Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
|January 11, 2012
Summary
A 54-year-old man experienced acute leg artery blockage due to a floating thrombus from his aorta. Surgical removal confirmed the non-malignant thrombus, highlighting TEE
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Vascular Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Floating thrombi in the thoracic aorta are rare, often associated with significant morbidity.
- Acute arterial occlusion necessitates prompt diagnosis and intervention.
Observation:
- A 54-year-old male presented with acute left leg arterial occlusion.
- Imaging revealed two masses in an otherwise normal thoracic aorta post-embolectomy.
- Histology of embolus suggested thrombus, but malignancy was considered.
Findings:
- Anticoagulant therapy did not reduce mass size.
- Surgical extirpation under cardiopulmonary bypass and TEE guidance was performed.
- Frozen section confirmed the masses were non-malignant thrombi.
Implications:
- Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is crucial for diagnosis and surgical planning in aortic thrombus cases.
- Surgical intervention may be necessary when conservative management fails.
- The optimal treatment strategy for aortic thrombi requires further investigation.
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