For Clinicians
Blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) requires a high index of suspicion based on the mechanism of injury in the trauma population. BTAI can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated expeditiously.
Patients involved in high-energy blunt trauma involving rapid deceleration are at significant risk for blunt aortic injury. Assessment findings and diagnostic imaging are necessary to rapidly identify the aortic injury.
The grade of injury, taken together with the patient's associated injuries and medical comorbidities, determines the timing and type of thoracic aortic repair - Endovascular or Open.
For Patients
In the United States, Aortic Injury is the second leading cause of life-threatening injuries following blunt force trauma due to motor vehicle crashes, pedestrian accidents, falls, and crush injuries.
The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body which carries blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. The aorta is divided into thoracic and abdominal parts. The thoracic aorta is the part of the aorta located within the chest, behind the ribcage, the lungs, and the heart.
Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury (BTAI) is an injury to the thoracic aorta due to severe injury to the chest due to the above causes.
