Blunt Aortic Injury

Blunt aortic injury occurs after sudden deceleration, and it is second only to head injury as the leading cause of death after automobile crashes. Helical computed tomography of the thorax is more sensitive than angiography for detection. Although immediate operative repair was once the rule, endovascular repair is now an alternative for many patients, including those with multiple major injuries. The endovascular approach can improve survival as well as reduce the risk of paraplegia.