Extensive endovascular repair of thoracic aorta: observational analysis of the results and effects on spinal cord perfusion.

Conclusions: The coverage of the entire thoracic aorta is an effective procedure with high probability of success. Spinal cord malperfusion remains a serious complication especially in patients with prior aortic surgery but if collateral blood supply is maintained the occlusion of intercostal arteries do not determine paraplegia or paraparesis. In order to consider acute or chronic occlusion of subclavian, lumbar or hypogastric arteries so preventing spinal cord ischemia, strong preoperative evaluation including analysis of previous surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and avoidance of T12 aortic segment coverage if feasible is mandatory. PMID: 23369947 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: The Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Tags: J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) Source Type: research