Related Experiment Videos
Traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta
1Department of Surgery, University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville 22908.
Southern Medical Journal
|August 1, 1988
Summary
Acute traumatic aortic rupture, often with severe injuries, can be effectively treated surgically. Most survivors of this aortic injury experience good long-term outcomes, particularly with repairs via left posterolateral thoracotomy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Acute traumatic rupture of the aorta is a severe injury often associated with significant concomitant trauma.
- The location and extent of aortic tears vary, with a high mortality rate if not treated promptly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the outcomes of patients treated for acute traumatic aortic rupture.
- To assess the efficacy of surgical repair, particularly the use of left posterolateral thoracotomy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 25 patients treated for acute traumatic aortic rupture between 1968 and 1981.
- Analysis of injury characteristics, treatment approaches, and patient outcomes, including long-term follow-up.
Main Results:
- 88% of patients had serious concomitant injuries.
- Operative survival rate was 68% (17 out of 23 patients operated on).
- 59% of survivors had no long-term disability; 96% of injuries were in the distal aortic arch or descending aorta, amenable to left posterolateral thoracotomy.
Conclusions:
- Surgical intervention for acute traumatic aortic rupture yields a significant survival benefit.
- Left posterolateral thoracotomy is an effective approach for repairing most traumatic aortic injuries in the distal arch and descending aorta.
- Prompt surgical management can lead to favorable long-term outcomes for survivors of traumatic aortic rupture.