Thoracic aortic endografting for trauma: a current appraisal.
OBJECTIVE
To explore this newer treatment modality's benefits, technical concerns, and complications as currently understood during the management of patients with blunt aortic injury (BAI).


METHODS
Data sources included relevant articles from published medical journals and current published texts.


METHODS
Assimilation of the pertinent world's literature into a select representation of the current status of thoracic aortic endografting for trauma's (TAET) performance and outcomes.


METHODS
Comprehensive review of the current literature on BAI.


RESULTS
Comparison and critical evaluation of the current literature.


CONCLUSIONS
Endografting is the most frequently used method for repair of BAI. The use of TAET has led to reductions in operative mortality and spinal cord ischemia. Although experience seems promising, a new array of early and late complications must be considered. The positive experience with TAET thus far has provided impetus for endograft engineering and clinical trials specifically for BAI therapy. The ultimate late durability of TAET remains to be defined.
Department of Surgery, Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, USA.
Brandon W
BW
Propper
W Darrin
WD
Clouse
D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000601:surgery*