Anaesthesia for stent graft repair of thoracic aneurysm and coarctation of the aorta

Abstract

We present the anaesthetic management of a patient for stenting of a thoracic aortic aneurysm at the site of an aortic coarctation. The specific challenges to the anaesthetist for this case are outlined. These include the specific problems of placing the graft, the obvious risk of aortic rupture and the unfamiliar environment of the separate radiological theatre. The advantages and disadvantages to the anaesthetist of the treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms with stents are briefly discussed.