What is a thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA)?
An aneurysm is a bulge in the aortic wall caused by blood pressure pushing against a weakened area. Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in the abdomen are more common than a thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAAs) in the chest. There are three groups of thoracic aneurysms depending on location: ascending aortic, aortic arch, and descending thoracic aneurysms. When the aneurysm reaches a certain size (over 5.5cm in diameter) it is at risk of rupturing. A burst aneurysm results in severe internal bleeding and can be fatal. What is endovascular aneurysm repair? To repair an aneurysm, an endograft is guided into the body with a catheter. Once inserted into the aorta, the endograft – a tubular fabric device supported by self-expanding metal stent bodies – seals off the aneurysm from within, relieving blood pressure against the weakened walls of the aorta, the body’s main blood vessel, and reducing the risk of rupture. About Cook Cook Medical was one of the first companies to help popularise interventi
