[Should aortic atheromatous plaques be excised?]

Aortic atheromatous plaque is common condition which has no clinical or therapeutical consequences in the majority of cases. Nevertheless, in some cases, clinical symptoms or potential complications may lead to discussion of the therapeutic indications. The usual diagnostic methods are pre- or peroperative transoesophageal echocardiography. CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging and, rarely, arteriography. These investigations are also valuable in assessing the composition of the plaque and evaluating the risk of thrombosis and therefore of systemic embolism. The surgical indications are discussed in three situations. When the atheroma is large, exuberant and stenotic. This is often the case in the abdominal aorta, much less commonly so in the descending thoracic aorta. Secondly, when the atheroma has been complicated by embolism: this applies to all segments of the aorta. Finally, when there is a potential embolic risk, especially neurological, during open heart surgery; this is usually the case in the ascending aorta. The surgical technique in the first two indications is either excision of the atheromatous plaque or of a segment of the aorta with restoration of continuity by a Dacron patch or tube. In the third indication, two attitudes are possible: either not to manipulate the ascending aorta by changing the site of arterial cannulation, not clamping the aorta, and using pediculated arterial grafts to suppress the aortic implantation of the graft, or, conversely, replacing a fragment of the aorta carrying the atheromatous plaque and reestablishing continuity by a Dacron patch or tube, where a saphenous vein graft may be implanted. In conclusion, excision of atheromatous plaque is always possible but rarely justified. It is essentially a palliative procedure.