Cuuebm Flashcards
What is the aorta?
The 1st and largest artery in the body that transports nutrient-rich blood to systemic circulation after LV ejection
Extends from the aortic valve to the proximal iliac bifurcation at L4.
What are the three segments of the aorta?
- Ascending aorta
- Descending aorta
- Thoracic aorta
- Abdominal aorta
Segments are based on the aorta’s course and location.
Where does the ascending aorta begin and end?
Begins at the aortic valve and ends at the beginning of the aortic arch, around the level of the sternal angle
This is between the 2nd and 3rd rib.
What are the features of the ascending aorta?
- Gives rise to coronary arteries
- Supplies blood to the heart
This occurs at the top of the left ventricle.
What are the beginning and ending points of the aortic arch?
Begins at the end of the ascending aorta and ends just after the origin of the three main arteries at the level of the T4 vertebra
These arteries are the brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid artery, and left subclavian artery.
What is the function of the descending thoracic aorta?
Supplies blood to the chest wall, lungs, and esophagus
It begins just after the aortic arch at the T4 vertebra.
What are the beginning and ending points of the abdominal aorta?
Begins at the aortic hiatus in the diaphragm (around T12) and ends at the L4 vertebra, where it bifurcates into the common iliac arteries
Supplies blood to the abdominal and pelvic organs, as well as the lower limbs.
What are the five major branches of the abdominal aorta?
- Celiac trunk
- Superior mesenteric artery
- Left renal artery
- Right renal artery
- Inferior mesenteric artery
These branches supply various abdominal organs.
What is the artery of Adamkiewicz?
A critical blood vessel that supplies most of the oxygenated blood to the spinal cord
Typically originates between T8 and T12 vertebrae.
What is the primary blood supply function of the artery of Adamkiewicz?
Provides crucial blood flow to the anterior spinal artery, which supplies the anterior two-thirds of the spinal cord
This region is responsible for motor function and sensation.
What is atherosclerosis?
A condition where plaque builds up on the walls of arteries, causing narrowing and stiffness
It leads to reduced blood flow and can result in Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD).
What are the steps in plaque formation in atherosclerosis?
- Endothelial injury and dysfunction
- Lipid accumulation and oxidation
- Recruitment of inflammatory cells
- Formation of foam cells
- Smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation
- Extracellular matrix production
- Plaque formation
- Plaque rupture and thrombosis
Each step contributes to the progression of atherosclerosis.
What are the common risk factors for developing atherosclerotic lesions?
- Advanced age
- Smoking
- Hypertension
- Diabetes mellitus
- Insulin resistance
- Obesity
- Family history/genetic predisposition
- Physical inactivity
- Gender (M > F)
- Hyper/hypomocysteinemia
- Elevated C-reactive protein
- Hyperglyceridemia, hyperlipidemia
- Renal disease
These factors increase the likelihood of atherosclerosis and associated vascular diseases.
What is the role of statins in atherosclerosis treatment?
- Lower cholesterol levels
- Stabilize plaques
- Improve endothelial function
- Reduce vascular inflammation
- Have cardioprotective properties
Common statins include Crestor, Lipitor, and Zocor.
What is the significance of beta-blockers in vascular surgery?
Used for patients with PVD at high risk for myocardial ischemia and infarction
They help with myocardial oxygen supply and demand.
What is the purpose of carotid endarterectomy?
To prevent further events in patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis or significant asymptomatic stenosis
Usually performed within two weeks of a TIA or minor stroke.
What are the types of vascular surgical procedures?
- Stenting
- Atherectomy
- Bypass surgery
- Endarterectomy
- Thrombolysis or thrombectomy
- Open aneurysm repair
- Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR)
- Vein procedures
These procedures address various vascular issues, including blockages and aneurysms.
What is the relationship between peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and coronary artery disease (CAD)?
There is a clear association between PVD and the development of CAD and aortic aneurysms
Cardiac pathology must be managed appropriately during surgery.
What are common complications of vascular surgery related to renal function?
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication with high morbidity and mortality
Incidence ranges from 16-22%.
What is the primary blood supply function of the artery of Adamkiewicz?
Supplies the anterior spinal artery, affecting motor function and sensation
Damage to this artery can lead to severe motor deficits or paralysis.
What is the importance of managing diabetes in vascular surgery?
Diabetes increases the risk of myocardial infarction and wound infection
Tight control of blood glucose is critical for preventing complications.
What should be done regarding aspirin (ASA) preoperatively?
Do not give preoperatively due to increased risk of bleeding; restart 2-8 days after surgery
Research indicates preoperative ASA does not alter the risk of perioperative cardiovascular events.
What is Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA)?
A surgical procedure to remove plaque from the carotid arteries to prevent stroke and TIA.
What percentage of carotid artery stenosis typically warrants CEA after a TIA or mild stroke?
70-99% stenosis.
In which cases might CEA be considered for patients with 50-69% stenosis?
If there are high stroke risk factors.
When is CEA usually recommended after a TIA or minor stroke?
Within two weeks.
What are the indications for CEA in asymptomatic patients?
Considered for 60-99% stenosis, especially in those under 75 years old and in good health.
What are common signs and symptoms of carotid disease?
- Amaurosis fugax
- Paresthesia
- Clumsiness of extremities
- Speech problems