Your Descending and Thoracic Aorta

The descending aorta begins after the origin of the left subclavian artery from the aortic arch and continues down through the chest to the diaphragm. The segment of aorta below the diaphragm is referred to as the abdominal aorta. The descending aorta provides important blood flow to the spinal cord. The anatomy of the descending aorta makes it more favorable for endovascular approaches in some cases, however, more complex problems will still require open surgery. Aneurysms involving the descending and abdominal aorta are classified as thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

Anatomic illustration of figure with anatomy.  Closeup of anatomy showing descending aorta.
Anatomic illustration of figure with anatomy.  Closeup of anatomy showing descending aorta.
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Figure 1. Healthy Descending Aorta

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TAAA Extent I

This procedure is indicated for aneurysmal disease involving the entire descending aorta and extending below the diaphragm to the first aortic branch of the abdominal aorta. The aorta is replaced from the left subclavian artery to the celiac artery with a Dacron graft.


Anatomic illustration of descending aorta with aneurysm Illustration of surgical repair using a TAAA Extent I repair

Interactive 1. TAAA Extent I Repair

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TAAA Extent II

This procedure is indicated for aneurysmal disease involving the entire descending aorta and extending below the diaphragm to involve the entire abdominal aorta. The aorta is replaced from the left subclavian artery to the infrarenal aorta with a Dacron graft. The arteries supplying all abdominal organs including the kidneys are reimplanted into the Dacron graft.


Anatomic illustration of descending aorta with aneurysm Illustration of surgical repair using a TAAA Extent II repair

Interactive 1. TAAA Extent II Repair

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TAAA Extent III

This procedure is indicated for aneurysmal disease beginning in the mid- descending aorta and extending below the diaphragm to involve the entire abdominal aorta. The aorta is replaced from the mid-descending thoracic aorta to the infrarenal aorta with a Dacron graft. The arteries supplying all abdominal organs including the kidneys are reimplanted into the Dacron graft.


Anatomic illustration of descending aorta with aneurysm Illustration of surgical repair using a TAAA Extent III repair

Interactive 1. TAAA Extent III Repair

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TEVAR Extent A

This procedure is indicated for aneurysmal disease involving the proximal descending thoracic aorta. Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) is performed by placing a covered stent graft into the descending thoracic aorta via transfemoral access. The stent graft prevents blood flow from entering the aneurysm sac, resulting in aneurysm sac thrombosis and stabilization and/or regression.


Anatomic illustration of descending aorta with aneurysm Illustration of surgical repair using a TEVAR Extent A repair

Interactive 1. TEVAR Extent A Repair

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TEVAR Extent B

This procedure is indicated for aneurysmal disease involving the distal descending thoracic aorta. Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) is performed by placing a covered stent graft into the descending thoracic aorta via transfemoral access. The stent graft prevents blood flow from entering the aneurysm sac, resulting in aneurysm sac thrombosis and stabilization and/or regression.


Anatomic illustration of descending aorta with aneurysm Illustration of surgical repair using a TEVAR Extent B repair

Interactive 1. TEVAR Extent B Repair

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TEVAR Extent C

This procedure is indicated for aneurysmal disease involving the entire descending thoracic aorta. Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) is performed by placing a covered stent graft into the descending thoracic aorta via transfemoral access. The stent graft prevents blood flow from entering the aneurysm sac, resulting in aneurysm sac thrombosis and stabilization and/or regression.


Anatomic illustration of descending aorta with aneurysm Illustration of surgical repair using a TEVAR Extent A repair

Interactive 1. TEVAR Extent C Repair

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