Traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta as part of a multiple injury

: The authors submit case-histories of four patients with traumatic ruptures of the aorta where the patients survived for 1-10 days. All cases were fatal. The general condition of the patients did not permit surgical operation. The survival time of the patients provides evidence that in rupture of the aorta it is in some instances possible to make inevitable examinations and operations. If time permits, then transport to a specialized department is indicated. The operation requires satisfactory approach and availability of extracorporeal circulation.