Surgery for traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta

Between 1975 and 1980, 9 patients with traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta were operated at our institution. All patients showed additional multiple limb and internal organ injuries. Leading symptoms of aortic rupture were mediastinal widening (8), left-sided hemothorax (6), and acute aortic coarctation (2). Aortic rupture was proven by angiography in 8 patients and during exploratory thoracotomy in another. The time interval between trauma and operation was one to 48 hours, in 6 patients less than 4 hours. Atrio-femoral bypass was used in 3 patients, TDMAC-heparin shunt in 4 patients and 2 patients were operated without bypass. Prosthesis interposition was required in 3 patients while direct suture was possible in 6 patients. Long-term survival was achieved in 7 patients, one patient died from shock sequelae and another had suffered inoperable multiple rupture along the ascending and transverse aorta. It is concluded that patients with traumatic aortic rupture have a relatively good prognosis if diagnosis is established immediately and if surgery is feasible. The operative result is influenced substantially by the degree of preoperative shock and the presence of additional injuries.