How Aortic Aneurysms Become Aortic Catastrophes

LEARNING Objectives Define the three tunics, the three sections of the thoracic aorta, aortic aneurysm, and aortic dissection. Explain the process by which an aortic aneurysm becomes a dissection. Formulate a series of care plans that appropriately account for the patient’s presentations and aortic dissection’s most common complications. KEY Terms Abdominal aorta: The portion of the aorta that’s housed within the abdomen between the diaphragm and iliac bifurcation. Aortic aneurysm: The chronic process by which inflammation usually causes destruction and weakening on the aorta’s wall, allowing it to expand by at least 50% its expected size. Aortic dissection: The disease process by which the inner layer of the aorta (tunica intimna) tears and allows blood to flow between the layers of the aorta, causing these layers to dissect from one another. Thoracic aorta: The portion of the aorta that’s housed between the heart and the diaphragm within the chest cavity. In prehospital emergency medicine, there are few diseases that carry the same high priority and respect as aortic catastrophes. From very early in our training, providers at all levels are taught to search for, suspect and ultimately fear derangements of the aorta. And in all reality, the respect and attention this illness demands isn’t in vain. The aorta is the largest blood vessel within the body and originates directly from the heart. It carries all of the body’s circul...
Source: JEMS Patient Care - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: Cardiac & Resuscitation Source Type: news