Management of Dissecting Aneurysm of the Aorta

Abstract

Drug therapy greatly increases the chances for survival in patients with dissecting aortic aneurysm. Trimethaphan is used to relieve stresses on the aortic wall by reducing the force of myocardial contraction and mean aortic pressure. Life-threatening complications or lack of response to drug therapy may necessitate surgery. Dissection occurs most frequently in the ascending aorta, and early mortality is higher in these cases than when only the descending aorta is involved.