Non-Traumatic Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms in the Community Hospital

Abstract

Aneurysms involving the thoracic aorta have been highly lethal in the past. The treatment modalities previously available have not been highly successful and have been accompanied by serious side effects. In the past few years, the surgical approach has been utilized to a much greater degree. The results of this surgery have shown continuous improvement with a decrease in both the rate of complications and mortality. Improvement in surgical technique, better defini tion of the anatomy, improved treatment of complications, and knowledge of the techniques for decreasing the incidence of problems have increased the survival of patients with this problem. Most such patients and reports of their problems and subsequent surgical results come from university or teaching centers. We, therefore, have reviewed our patients as seen in the community hospital setting and they are herein reported.