USE OF ENDOVASCULAR STENT GRAFTS IN THORACOABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSMS

Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) involve one or more segments of the aorta from the left subclavian artery down to the inguinal bifurcation. Most TAAAs are caused by age-related degenerative processes that weaken the aorta and usually remain asymptomatic for long periods until they finally produce symptoms. Endovascular stent grafting has been used successfully to treat TAAAs in recent years. The procedure should improve as its use spreads and as the complication rate is reduced. Clinical trials will be needed to compare endovascular stent graft repair with surgical treatment for TAAAs in terms of safety, efficacy, and clinical applicability. Key words: Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, Endovascular stent grafts, Open surgical repair Eur J Gen Med 2006;3(4):