Thoracic Aorta 2

Question 1

Classification of aortic arch?

Answer 1

Aortic arches are classified as Type I, II, or III, depending on the anatomic location of the innominate artery. A Type I arch is one in which the innominate artery originates at or above the same horizonal plane as the outer curvature of the aortic arch. A Type II arch is one in which the innominate artery is between the horizontal planes of the outer and inner curvatures of the aortic arch. A type III arch is one in which the innominate artery originates inferior below, or inferior to the lesser curvature of the aortic arch. Type III arches offer far more challenging anatomy for cannulation of the innominate artery (and subsequently the right carotid artery) for right carotid artery stenting, compared to a type I aortic arch.