Course Overview
Research shows that patients presenting with aortic aneurysms are split between asymptomatic and symptomatic aortic aneurysms. Approximately 75% of patients operated on are elective with the remaining 25% of patients being categorized as emergent; requiring surgery within 24 hours of diagnosis. Surgical treatment has evolved from extra anatomic reconstruction to current endoaneurysmal approaches and anatomic in situ reconstruction using tube graphs that spare most of the aortic wall. Although paraplegia remains a significant challenge in the surgical treatment of thoracoabdominal aneurysms improved outcomes have been achieved. Heparinization, permissive mild hypothermia, left heart bypass, sequential aortic clamping and reattachment of patent critical intercostals arteries have positively affected the treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.
This presentation meets the needs of fellows-in-training, residents, and all attending physicians desiring to be informed and updated concerning relevant patient care issues in the treatment of thoracoabdominal aneurysms. Dr. J. Cosselli will examine current treatment advancements, investigative efforts, and practice challenges of physicians diagnosing and treating aortic aneurysms.
Educational Objectives
The intended result of this activity is increased knowledge. At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to
• Recognize risk factors associated with thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.
• Identify current trends for diagnosis and treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.
• Describe the latest techniques and procedures used for diagnosis and treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.
Target Audience
This presentation is designed for cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiologists, physicians and others interested in thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.
Additional Resources
Milestones in the Treatment of Aortic Aneurysm
http://texasheart.org/Education/THIJournal/upload/Milestones-in-the-Treatment-of-Aortic-Aneurysm.pdf
Biomechanical properties of ruptured versus electively repaired abdominal aortic aneurysm wall tissue
http://www.jvascsurg.org/article/PIIS074152140501921X/abstract
Evaluation / Feedback
We value your comments; please send your suggestions and comments to the office of continuing medical education at the Texas Heart Institute.
Accreditation Statement
Texas Heart Institute is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Texas Heart Institute designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1 Category 1 credit toward the AMA Physician’s Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit that he/she actually spent in the activity.
The estimated time to complete this activity, including review of the materials is 1 hour.
Term of Approval
August 2005 through August 2008. Original release date: August 10, 2005.
Peer Review
In August 2005, this continuing medical education activity was reviewed by
James J. Ferguson III, MD, FACC Associate Director, Clinical Cardiology Research, THI; Co-Chairman, Medical Education Committee, THI;
Chairman, Research Committee, THI. Houston, Texas.
Disclosure of Relationships
It is the intent of the Texas Heart Institute to assure that its educational mission and its continuing medical activities in particular, should not be influenced by the special interests of individuals associated with its program.
In accordance with the guidelines of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education, faculty members have disclosed all relationships with any of the manufacturers of commercial products discussed or with either one or more of the corporate organizations offering educational grants for this continuing medical education activity.
