Quantifying Dynamics of the Ascending Thoracic Aorta in Patients With and Without Aneurysms Using 4D-CT

Endovascular repair of the thoracic aorta is becoming the preferred treatment for aneurysms due to lower mortality rates and shorter recovery time in the ICU [1]. The success of endovascular treatment greatly depends on the anatomy and dynamic characteristics of the aneurismal region, with the descending thoracic aorta (DTA) presenting a less challenging environment than the ascending thoracic aorta (ATA). As such, devices and methods for endovascular treatment of the ATA remain to be developed. In fact, there is currently no FDA-approved implantable device to treat aneurysms in the ATA.