Thoracic aortic diseases contribute to a major part of cardiac surgeries. The
severity of pathologies varies significantly from emergency and life-threatening
to conservatively managed conditions. Life-threatening conditions include type A
aortic dissection and rupture. Aortic aneurysm is an example of a conservatively
managed condition. Pathologies that affect the arterial wall can have a profound
impact on the presentation of such cases. Several risk factors have been
identified that increase the risk of emergency presentations such as connective
tissue disease, hypertension, and vasculitis. The understanding of aortic
pathologies is essential to improve management and clinical outcomes.
Post-operative pain control is one of the key factors that can aid in fast and safe recovery after any surgical interventions. Thoracic surgery can cause significant postoperative pain which can lead to delayed recovery, delayed hospital discharge and possibly increased risk of chest complications in the form of atelectasis and even lower respiratory infections. Therefore, appropriate pain management following thoracic surgery is mandatory to prevent development of such morbidities including chronic pain.
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