Thoracic aortic stenting tops surgery for management of blunt trauma

August 19, 2008 Thoracic aortic stenting tops surgery for management of blunt trauma H. A. Abella -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Endovascular repair is better and safer than surgery for the treatment of blunt thoracic aortic trauma, according to the largest review of clinical data to date comparing both procedures. Stent-grafts could save more lives and reduce the risk of paraplegia, a frequent surgical complication. Nearly one-quarter of all lethal traumatic injuries from falls or automotive collisions involve a torn or dissected thoracic aorta. And about two out of 10 patients who make it to the hospital with this type of injury die within a few hours due to internal bleeding. Surgical repair remains the standard of care, but surgery requires clamping the aorta, which raises the risk of insufficient blood supply to the spine, rendering a patient paraplegic.

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