F Dr ghiu Flashcards
What is the aorta?
The 1st and largest artery in the body that transports nutrient-rich blood to systemic circulation after left ventricle 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
- Aortic arch
The descending aorta further divides into thoracic and abdominal aorta.
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 (between the 2nd and 3rd rib).
It gives rise to the coronary arteries.
What are the features of the aortic arch?
Curves over the heart and directs blood to the upper body.
Begins at the end of the ascending aorta and ends after the origin of the three main arteries.
What does the descending thoracic aorta supply blood to?
Supplies blood to the chest wall, lungs, and esophagus.
Begins just after the aortic arch at T4 and ends at the diaphragm.
What is the bifurcation of the aorta?
At the L4 vertebra, the abdominal aorta splits into the left and right common iliac arteries.
These arteries continue to supply the lower limbs and pelvis.
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 and pelvic organs.
What is the artery of Adamkiewicz?
A critical blood vessel that supplies most of the oxygenated blood to the spinal cord, typically originating between T8 and T12 vertebrae.
It is essential for the blood supply to the anterior spinal artery.
What happens if the artery of Adamkiewicz is damaged?
Damage can lead to spinal cord ischemia, resulting in paraplegia or other serious neurological deficits.
This artery is vulnerable due to being a single vessel supplying a large area.
What is atherosclerosis?
A condition where plaque builds up on the walls of arteries, causing narrowing and stiffness, which limits blood flow.
It primarily affects peripheral arteries but can also impact coronary, cerebral, and renal arteries.
What are the steps involved 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 common risk factors for developing atherosclerotic lesions?
- Advanced age
- Smoking
- Hypertension
- Diabetes mellitus
- Insulin resistance
- Obesity
- Family history
- Physical inactivity
- Gender (M > F)
- Elevated homocysteine
- Elevated C-reactive protein
- Hyperlipidemia
- Renal disease
These factors increase the risk of atherosclerosis and its complications.
What are the common lower extremity vessels affected by atherosclerosis?
- Superficial femoral artery
- Popliteal artery
These vessels are often impacted in peripheral vascular disease.
What are lipid-lowering drugs used for treating atherosclerosis?
- Statins
- Fibrates
- PCSK9 inhibitors
Statins are the first-line treatment for lowering cholesterol levels.
What is the role of beta-blockers in vascular surgery?
They are used for patients with PVD at high risk for myocardial ischemia and infarction.
They help manage myocardial oxygen supply and demand.
What surgical procedures are performed by vascular surgeons?
- Stenting
- Atherectomy
- Bypass surgery
- Endarterectomy
- Thrombolysis
- Thrombectomy
- Open aneurysm repair
- Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR)
- Vein procedures
These procedures address various vascular issues.
