■  Descending (type B) aortic dissection: Two classifications systems are commonly used to describe the extent of aortic dissections (FIG 2). Stanford type A dissections involve the ascending aorta with or…

■  Several anatomic anomalies are relevant to the surgeon, as they predispose patients to the development of TOS. ■  The most common is a cervical rib, and a preoperative chest radiograph is…

■  For thoracoabdominal exposure, the patient is placed in the right lateral decubitus position using a beanbag and axillary role for support. The left arm is protected with adequate padding and…

Exposure of Carotid Artery ■  In the medial aspect of the wound, the lateral border of the internal jugular vein is identified and sharply defined. The vein is retracted posteriorly and…

■  Arterial blood pressure monitoring is necessary for optimal anesthetic management. Bladder catheterization is performed if the procedure is expected to extend beyond 2 hours. If endarterectomy is performed with regional…

■  An arterial phase CT angiogram should evaluate the entire length of the aorta, from the level of the skull base proximally to the femoral heads distally, to ensure visualization of…

■  Evaluation of patients with posterior circulation ischemia requires defining the precise circumstances that elicit symptoms. Vertigo, instability, and occasional loss of consciousness often accompany positional changes and standing in older…