Nature always sides with the hidden flaw: importance of the 'aortic team' approach

Blunt thoracic aortic injuries (BTAI) are highly lethal, though their incidence is < 1%. The treatment options for BTAI have evolved over the years, where non-operative management is advised even in grade II injuries. In patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair, it is of vital importance that the left subclavian artery is revascularized. Many authors have opted for selective revascularization of the left subclavian artery in case of an emergency situation where the clinical condition of the patient is unstable. A joint team effort involving the diagnostic radiologist, cardiologist, interventional cardiologist/radiologist/vascular surgeon, cardiac surgeon and anaesthesiologist, referred to as the 'aortic team', is vital in complex aortic interventions.