Traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta.
Our experience with 36 cases of traumatic rupture of the aorta has prompted an aggressive investigative and surgical approach. Age range, mechanism of injury, and associated injuries are quite variable. Aortogram is essential for diagnosis and should be done with any evidence of mediastinal abnormality following a deceleration injury. The preferred method of repair is graft interposition for the transected aorta, using femoral vein to femoral artery bypass with an oxygenator in the system. The salvage rate is good if an aggressive surgical approach is used.
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D001019:Aortic Rupture / Q000601:surgery*; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000601:surgery; D005268:Femoral Vein / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography