Journal: “Thoracic endovascular aortic repair” in Course Point. You are to read the assigned article (see attached) along with 2 other articles from the library database on the subject matter and provide a summation of at least 500 words. The 2 additional articles plus the assigned article must be included in your references. Use APA format throughout the document.
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Summation: Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR)
Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat a variety of thoracic aortic pathologies. This technique involves the placement of a stent graft within the aorta to reinforce the weakened or diseased section of the vessel. TEVAR has gained popularity in recent years as an alternative to open surgical repair due to its reduced invasiveness and potentially lower morbidity and mortality rates.
TEVAR is primarily indicated for the treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms, which are characterized by the abnormal dilation of the aortic wall. These aneurysms can be caused by various factors, including atherosclerosis, genetic disorders, trauma, or connective tissue diseases. Left untreated, thoracic aortic aneurysms can lead to life-threatening complications such as rupture or dissection. TEVAR provides a less invasive option for managing these conditions compared to traditional open surgery.
The TEVAR procedure involves accessing the femoral artery percutaneously or through a small incision. A delivery system is then used to guide the stent graft into the thoracic aorta under fluoroscopic guidance. The stent graft is deployed at the site of the aneurysm, providing a new pathway for blood flow and reinforcing the weakened aortic wall. This endovascular approach eliminates the need for a large thoracotomy, reducing surgical trauma and facilitating quicker recovery.
TEVAR offers several advantages over open surgery. The minimally invasive nature of the procedure reduces the risk of surgical complications, such as infection, bleeding, and organ damage. Patients who undergo TEVAR typically experience shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times compared to open surgery. Additionally, TEVAR avoids the need for cardiopulmonary bypass, which further decreases the risk of associated complications.
However, TEVAR also presents certain limitations and potential complications. Proper patient selection is crucial, as not all patients are suitable candidates for this procedure. The anatomy of the aorta, including its size, angulation, and the presence of branch vessels, must be evaluated to determine the feasibility of TEVAR. Complications that can arise from TEVAR include endoleaks (persistent blood flow outside the stent graft), graft migration, stent fracture, and aortic dissection. Long-term surveillance is necessary to monitor for potential complications and ensure the durability of the stent graft.
In conclusion, thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has emerged as a less invasive alternative to open surgery for the treatment of thoracic aortic pathologies, particularly thoracic aortic aneurysms. TEVAR offers the advantages of reduced surgical trauma, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times, and decreased morbidity compared to traditional open surgery. However, careful patient selection and long-term surveillance are necessary to mitigate potential complications associated with this procedure. Further research and studies are required to refine patient selection criteria and optimize long-term outcomes in the field of TEVAR.
References:
Reference 1 (APA format)
Reference 2 (APA format)
Assigned article – Please provide the details or key points from the assigned article, and I can incorporate them into the summation without the need for a specific reference.