Endovascular Repair of Descending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

Minimally Invasive Alternative to Open Surgery Using GORE TAG® Thoracic Endoprosthesis November 16, 2007 at 12:15 PM EDT on OR-Live.com From University of Virginia Health System Hospital, Charlottesville, VA See a live endovascular repair of a descending thoracic aortic aneurysm with the GORE TAG® Thoracic Endoprosthesis. Michael D. Dake, MD, Professor of Radiology, Internal Medicine, Surgery and Chairman of the UVA Department of Radiology will host this live broadcast. In the procedure, the GORE TAG® Thoracic Device -- the only approved endoprosthesis in the U.S. that provides a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery -- will be positioned in the diseased area of the aorta through a small incision made in the patient's groin. Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) are diagnosed in approximately 15,000 people annually. An aneurysm can cause the aorta to grow to several times its normal size. Left untreated, the aneurysm can rupture, resulting in internal bleeding and in most cases, death.