Spring 2024 (Exam III) Vascular Disease Assessment Flashcards
What is an aortic aneurysm?
An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in a section of the aorta caused by an underlying weakness in the aortic wall.
How are aortic dissections classified according to the DeBakey and Stanford systems?
The DeBakey system classifies aortic dissections into
- Type I (tear in the ascending aorta that propagates to the arch),
- Type II (tear confined to the ascending aorta), and
- Type III (tear in the descending aorta).
The Stanford system classifies them as
- Type A (tear in the ascending aorta) and
- Type B (tear in the descending aorta).
What is the treatment approach for ascending arch dissections?
Ascending arch dissections typically require emergent surgery.
How are descending arch dissections typically treated?
Descending arch dissections are rarely treated with urgent surgery.
What is the initial treatment for uncomplicated type B aortic dissections?
Uncomplicated type B dissections are often admitted for Blood pressure control, with short-acting beta-blockers being preferred, along with arterial line monitoring.
What symptoms indicate an impending rupture of an aortic dissection, and what is the treatment?
Symptoms of impending rupture include
posterior pain, hypotension,
left- side hemothorax,
ischemia of the legs, abd, spinal cord
renal failure
which indicate the need for surgical treatment.
What are the risk factors for aortic aneurysms and dissections?
Risk factors include hypertension (HTN), atherosclerosis, age, being male, smoking, and family history.
Which inherited disorders are associated with aortic aneurysms and dissections?
Inherited disorders associated with these conditions include Marfan’s syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, bicuspid aortic valve, and non-syndrome familial history.
What are some causes of aortic dissection?
Causes of dissection include blunt trauma, cocaine use, and iatrogenic causes (caused by medical treatment).
What iatrogenic causes are related to aortic dissections?
cardiac catheterization,
aortic manipulation,
cross-clamping
arterial incision.
Who is more commonly affected by aortic dissections?
Aortic dissection is more common in men and pregnant women in their third trimester.
What are the three main arterial pathologies in vascular disease?
The three main arterial pathologies are aneurysms, dissections, and occlusions.
Which vessels are more likely to be affected by aneurysms and dissections?
The aorta and its branches are more likely to be affected by aneurysms and dissections.
Which arteries are more likely to be affected by occlusions?
Peripheral arteries are more likely to be affected by occlusions.
An aortic aneurysm is defined as the dilation of all three layers of an artery, with a greater than ____increase in diameter
than 50% increase in diameter
What symptoms might be present with an aortic aneurysm?
asymptomatic or due to compression of surrounding structures.
How are aortic aneurysms initially treated?
surgery indicated for?
what is preferred over open surgery?
Avoid strenuous exercise, stimulants, stress
Surgery indicated if >5.5 cm, growth >10mm/yr, family h/o dissection
Endovascular stent repair has become a mainstay over open surgery w/graft
What is the mortality rate associated with a ruptured aortic aneurysm?
The mortality rate for a ruptured aortic aneurysm is approximately 75%.
What are the two types of aortic aneurysms?
The two types of aortic aneurysms are fusiform and saccular.
What is the fastest and safest measure for obtaining a diagnosis of suspected aortic dissection?
Doppler echocardiogram
How does mortality rate change over time with an aortic dissection?
The mortality rate increases by 1-2% per hour.
What is the overall mortality rate for aortic dissection?
The overall mortality rate for aortic dissection is 27-58%.
How is aortic dissection diagnosed in stable and unstable patients?
In stable patients, diagnosis can be made with CT, chest X-ray (CXR), MRI, or angiography. In unstable patients, echocardiography is used.
What are some causes of aortic dissection?
Causes include blunt trauma, cocaine use, and iatrogenic factors resulting from medical treatment.
Who is more likely to experience an aortic dissection?
men
pregnant women during the third trimester.
What are the four primary causes of mortality related to surgeries of the thoracic aorta?
(MI),
respiratory failure,
renal failure,
stroke.
In Stanford A dissection
With current techniques, a period of circulatory arrest of ___ at a body temperature of ___ can be tolerated by most patients
of 30-40 minutes at a body temperature of 15-18°C can be tolerated by mostpatients
Pts with an acute, but uncomplicated type B aortic dissection who have ____________ can be treated with medical therapy
who have normal hemodynamics,
no periaortic hematoma,
no branch vessel involvement
Stanford B dissection mortality rate?
distal aortic dissection mortality rate?
10%
30%
A triad of sxis experienced in about ½ of cases for aortic aneurysm rupture?
Hypotension
Back pain
A pulsatile abdominal mass
Most abdominal aortic aneurysms rupture into
left retroperitoneum
Euvolemic resuscitation may be deferred until aortic aneurysm rupture is surgically controlled bc?
resulting increase in blood pressure without control of bleeding may lead to
loss of retroperitoneal tamponade,
further bleeding,
hypotension,
and death
major complications associated with replacement of the aortic arch
Neurologic deficits
4 Primary causes of mortality r/t surgeries of thoracic aorta:
MI
Respiratory failure
Renal failure
Stroke
What should be assessed for in the preoperative evaluation for thoracic aorta surgery?
Assess for the presence of
coronary artery disease,
valve dysfunction
and heart failure.
What are some cardiac evaluation tests used in the preoperative phase?
Cardiac evaluation tests can include stress testing, echocardiography, and radionuclide imaging.
Why might a patient be precluded from an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) resection in preop phase?
A severe reduction in (FEV1) or renal failure may preclude a patient from AAA resection.
What are predictors of post-aortic surgery respiratory failure?
Smoking and (COPD)
What preoperative interventions might be considered for patients at risk of respiratory complications?
PFTs & ABGs help define risk
Consider bronchodilators, antibiotics, and CPT
What is the most important indicator of post-aortic surgery renal failure?
Preoperative renal dysfunction is the most important indicator of post-aortic surgery renal failure.
What are key preoperative management steps to mitigate renal failure risk in aortic surgery?
Key steps include ensuring preoperative hydration, avoiding hypovolemia, hypotension, low cardiac output, and nephrotoxic drugs.
What vascular evaluation should be done for pt w/ hx of stroke or (TIA)?
a carotid ultrasound
angiogram of brachiocephalic and intracranial arteries should be performed.
Anterior spinal artery syndrome is caused
by lack of blood flow to the anterior spinal artery
The anterior spinal artery is responsible for perfusing?
ischemia of the area leads to ?
the anterior 2/3 of the spinal cord
Ischemia of this area leads to:
- loss motor function below the infarct
- diminished pain and temperature sensation below the infarct
- autonomic dysfunction leading to hypotension and loss of bowel & bladder function
What should be considered if severe carotid stenosis is identified before elective aortic surgery?
If severe carotid stenosis is identified, consideration should be given to carotid endarterectomy (CEA) before elective surgery.
What is a cerebral vascular accident (CVA)?
A CVA, also known as a stroke, can be ischemic (87% of cases) or hemorrhagic (13%) and is characterized by sudden-onset neurological deficits.
Where does CVA rank in leading causes of disability and death in the U.S.?
CVA is the first leading cause of disability and the third leading cause of death in the U.S.
What is a transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
A TIA is a subset of ischemic strokes that are self-limited, with symptoms resolving within 24 hours.
What is the risk of subsequent stroke after a TIA?
TIAs carry a risk that is 10 times greater for a subsequent stroke.
What can angiography diagnose in carotid disease?
Angiography can diagnose vascular occlusion.
What can CT and MRI reveal in carotid disease?
identify aneurysms and (AVMs).