Thoracic aortic endografting for trauma: A current appraisal

Objective: To explore this newer treatment modality's benefits, technical concerns, and complications as currently understood during the management of patients with blunt aortic injury (BAI). Data Sources: Data sources included relevant articles from published medical journals and current published texts. Study Selection: Assimilation of the pertinent world's literature into a select representation of the current status of thoracic aortic endografting for trauma's (TAET) performance and outcomes. Data Extraction: Comprehensive review of the current literature on BAI. Data Synthesis: Comparison and critical evaluation of the current literature. Conclusions: Endografting is the most frequently used method for repair of BAI. The use of TAET has led to reductions in operative mortality and spinal cord ischemia. Although experience seems promising, a new array of early and late complications must be considered. The positive experience with TAET thus far has provided impetus for endograft engineering and clinical trials specifically for BAI therapy. The ultimate late durability of TAET remains to be defined.