Vascular Disease Flashcards
What are the physiological functions of blood vessels? (3)
Regulation of blood to tissues
Synthesis/secretion of vasoactive/antithrombic substances
Delivery of immune cells
What are the measurement of the aorta in cm?
~3cm from the origin
~5-6 cm long
What are the 3 branches off the arch of the aorta from right to left?
Brachiocephalic
Left common carotid
Left subclavian
What are the layers of the aorta?
Intima (innermost)–endothelial cells
Media–smooth muscle cells, elastic/collagen fibers 2:1
Adventitia–collagen (strength), vaso vasorum (vasculature that perfuses the outer layer)
What factors constitute an AAA? (3)
50% increased localized diameter
>4 cm in thoracic aorta
>3 cm in abdominal aorta
Define a true aneurysm.
Involves all 3 vessel layers
2 types: fusiform, saccular
Define a pseudoaneurysm.
Only involves the inner 2 layers: intima and media.
Pseudoaneurysms are more unstable. True or false?
True
Label the types of aneurysms.
False has a hole in the intima and media and is contained in the adventitia.
________ is the origin of 90% of aneurysm cases.
Atherosclerosis
Note: Usually occurs in males > 50 y/o.
What are cofactors leading to the cause of aneurysms? (4)
Smoking
Hypertension
High cholesterol
Loss of elastin
Men are ___ times more likely to have an aneurysm than women.
8
Abdominal aneurysms are often asymptomatic. True or false?
True
What are the clinical presentations of an aneurysm in the following areas:
Compression of esophagus/trachea
Recurrent laryngeal nerve
Dilation of aortic ring
Compression of esophagus: Wheezing, coughing, dyspnea, difficulty swallowing
RLN stretching: hoarseness
Aortic ring: Pt presents with aortic regurge
What are classic signs of an aortic aneurysm rupture?
Hypotension
Low back pain
Pulsative abdominal mass
Note: Only 1/2 pts present with these signs.
What is the gold standard for treating AAA?
What is the treatment for less severe ones?
surgical repair with prosthetic graft
endovascular graft
When is surgical repair of a AAA considered? (Think of diameter.)
> 4.5 - 5 cm in diameter
What other co-existing conditions with pts with AAA have? (5)
Ischemic heart disease
HTN
COPD
Diabetes
Renal dysfunction
What kind of access do we need prior to surgery?
Large IV
Art line
Central line
What important factors do we need to consider intra-op?
Smooth induction to prevent cardiovascular swings.
Major blood loss may occur.
Hemodynamic changes that can occur during clamping/unclamping.
What hemodynamic changes occur during cross clamping?
Increased afterload–> increased BP
Decreased preload
Decreased perfusion distal to the clamp
Note: Depending on where the clamp is placed, renal perfusion can be compromised.
What hemodynamic changes occur during unclamping? (3)
Sudden decreased afterload –> decreased BP
**need vasoconstrictor to anticipate the change
Lactate washout