title: Surgically relevant structure on the ascending aorta.
abstract: We have examined the transverse vascularized ridge observed on the anterior surface of the intra-pericardial aorta during cardiac surgery. The ridge was a consistent feature of 20 consecutive cardiac patients and 11 cadavers no more than 2 days post-mortem. The aortic ridge was absent, however, in four of five embalmed cadavers additionally examined, probably due to the embalming process. Histological examination showed the ridge to be well vascularized, well innervated and composed of adipose tissue. This structure has surgical relevance as a possible source of post-operative hemorrhage, sometimes necessitating re-sternotomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Morrison
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Codispoti
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Campanella
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000294:innervation*; D000368:Aged; D001011:Aorta / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000473:pathology; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000473:pathology