Arterial dissection
A dissection is a condition in which the inside wall of the aorta is damaged in such a way that blood enters through a tear and accumulates between the inside and outside walls. This may result in side branches being pressed flat.
Symptoms indicating the disease
A dissection of the artery in the chest or abdomen (aorta) can cause a very wide range of symptoms:
- Sudden severe back or abdominal pain
- Pain between the shoulder blades
- Differences in blood pressure between left and right sides
- Ischaemia affecting organs or limbs
Due to the risk of bleeding and poor blood supply to the brain, intestines, kidneys and limbs, a dissection is acutely life-threatening.
Possible treatments
- Endovascular treatment (endoprosthesis)
- Traditional open surgery
- It is possible that your vascular surgeon may combine endovascular treatment with traditional open surgery or a keyhole operation. This depends on the location and severity of the narrowed artery or the complexity involved in the operation.