Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm: gross, ruptured thoracic aorta aneurysm, in situ lower thoracic portion.

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm: gross, ruptured thoracic aorta aneurysm, in situ lower thoracic portion.
The aorta is the largest artery in the body, it carries oxygen-rich blood pumped out of, or away from, your heart. The aorta runs through the chest, where it is called the thoracic aorta. When it reaches the abdomen, it is called the abdominal aorta. The abdominal aorta supplies blood to the lower part of the body. In the abdomen, just below the navel, the aorta splits into two branches, called the iliac arteries, which carry blood into each leg.

When a weak area of the abdominal aorta expands or bulges, it is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The pressure from blood flowing through the abdominal aorta can cause a weakened part of the aorta to bulge, much like a balloon. A normal aorta is about 1 inch in diameter. An AAA can stretch the aorta beyond its safety margin as it expands. Aneurysms are a health risk because they can burst or rupture. A ruptured aneurysm can cause severe internal bleeding, which can lead to shock or even death.

Less commonly, AAA can cause another serious health problem called embolization. Clots or debris can form inside the aneurysm and travel to blood vessels leading to other organs in the body. If one of these blood vessels becomes blocked, it can cause severe pain or even more serious problems, such as limb loss.

Surgical Procedure:
Open Repair: The conventional open surgical repair of aneurysms involves opening the abdominal cavity in the case of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, and sewing a synthetic graft inside the aneurysm to the artery above and below it to prevent the aneurysm from rupturing. In essence, relining the weakened aorta with a sleeve of material making the aorta stronger.

Endovascular Repair: A newer approach, called an endovascular repair, involves the use of a catheter that is inserted into the groin, in a similar fashion as an aortogram, however, the catheter is used to insert a self-expanding stent graft into the aneurysm. Endovascular repair of aneurysms does not require a large incision and has a substantially shorter recovery than the conventional open surgical approach. Not all aneurysms are suitable for endovascular repair.

Know more:
http://www.patient.co.uk/health/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm

Watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbjFQvwSzYk

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