Descending Aorta and Thoracic Aorta
Your Descending Aorta and Thoracic Aorta
The descending aorta begins after the origin of the left subclavian artery from the aortic arch and continues down through the chest to the diaphragm. The segment of the aorta below the diaphragm is referred to as the abdominal aorta. The descending aorta provides important blood flow to the spinal cord. The anatomy of the descending aorta makes it more favorable for endovascular approaches in some cases, however, more complex problems will still require open surgery. Aneurysms involving the descending and abdominal aorta are classified as thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.
Figure 1. Your Descending Aorta and Thoracic Aorta Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm (TAAA) – Extent I
This procedure is indicated for aneurysmal disease involving the entire descending aorta and extending below the diaphragm to the first aortic branch of the abdominal aorta. The aorta is replaced from the left subclavian artery to the celiac artery with a Dacron graft.
Interactive 1. Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm (TAAA) – Extent I
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Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm (TAAA) – Extent II
This procedure is indicated for aneurysmal disease involving the entire descending aorta and extending below the diaphragm to involve the entire abdominal aorta. The aorta is replaced from the left subclavian artery to the infrarenal aorta with a Dacron graft. The arteries supplying all abdominal organs including the kidneys are reimplanted into the Dacron graft.
Interactive 2. Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm (TAAA) – Extent II
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Descending Aortic Stent Graft (TEVAR): Extent C
This procedure is indicated for aneurysmal disease involving the entire descending thoracic aorta. Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) is performed by placing a covered stent graft into the descending thoracic aorta via transfemoral access. The stent graft prevents blood flow from entering the aneurysm sac, resulting in aneurysm sac thrombosis and stabilization and/or regression.
