[Traumatic aneurysms of the thoracic aorta]

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms
• Traumatic Aortic Injuries

Background:

• Traumatic aneurysms of the descending thoracic aorta present a significant surgical challenge.
• A substantial proportion of patients (50%) remain asymptomatic, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment.
• Prior diagnostic thoracotomy was noted in 4 patients, indicating a history of thoracic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of surgical resection and alloplastic prosthesis replacement for traumatic descending thoracic aorta aneurysms.
• To assess the outcomes, including complications and mortality, associated with this surgical approach under superficial hypothermia.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 12 patients with traumatic descending thoracic aorta aneurysms, 11 of whom underwent surgical intervention.
• Surgical technique involved aneurysm resection with alloplastic prosthesis replacement.
• Procedures were performed under conditions of superficial hypothermia, with an average aortic cross-clamp time of 40.1 minutes.

Main Results:

• Successful resection and reconstruction were achieved in all operated patients.
• The study reported one mortality (lethal outcome).
• Notably, there were no instances of paraplegia or other operative/postoperative complications.

Conclusions:

• Surgical management of traumatic descending thoracic aorta aneurysms using alloplastic prostheses under superficial hypothermia is a viable and relatively safe option.
• The technique demonstrated a low complication profile, specifically the absence of paraplegia, which is a critical concern in aortic surgery.