Ascending aortic replacement is performed for aneurysms or dissections that are located exclusively in the ascending aorta. If the aortic arch or aortic root are involved in the process, they can be replaced at the same time. Often aortic valve replacement or coronary artery bypasses can be performed at the same time if needed.
What are the Similarities Between Ascending and Descending Aorta?
The following conditions can lead to aneurysms:
I71.0I71. 0 - Dissection of aorta. ICD-10-CM.
Thoracic aortic dissection occurs when the intima of the aorta becomes compromised and “tears” or “dissects” a new layer that fills with blood between the intima and the media. This “false lumen” can start in different locations and has variable propagation.
The arch's downward portion, called the descending aorta, is connected to a network of arteries that supplies most of the body with oxygen-rich blood. The upward part of the arch, which is the section closest to the heart, is called the ascending aorta. The part of the aorta in the chest is called the thoracic aorta.
The descending aorta, also known as the thoracic aorta (Figs 3.26, 3.30), commences where the arch of the aorta ends at the lower border of T4 vertebra. It lies on the left side of the vertebral column in the upper part of the posterior mediastinum.
In the Stanford classification of aortic dissection: Type A involves the ascending aorta and may progress to involve the arch and thoracoabdominal aorta. Type B involves the descending thoracic or thoracoabdominal aorta distal to the left subclavian artery without involvement of ascending aorta.
An aortic aneurysm occurs when a weak spot in the wall of the aorta begins to bulge, as shown in the image on the left. An aneurysm can occur anywhere in the aorta. Having an aortic aneurysm increases the risk of a tear in the aortic lining (aortic dissection), as shown in the image on the right.
Within the abdomen, the descending aorta branches into the two common iliac arteries which serve the pelvis and eventually legs.
The size of the aorta decreases with distance from the aortic valve in a tapering fashion. The normal diameter of the ascending aorta has been defined as <2.1 cm/m2 and of the descending aorta as <1.6 cm/m2. The normal diameter of the abdominal aorta is regarded to be less than 3.0 cm.
Considering the significant portion of the body that the aorta spans, it is helpful to break it down into the following four sections:Aortic Root. The aortic root is the portion of the aorta that is attached to the heart. ... Ascending Aorta. ... Aortic Arch. ... Descending Thoracic Aorta. ... Abdominal Aorta.
The descending thoracic aorta travels down through the chest. Its small branches supply blood to the ribs and some chest structures. The abdominal aorta begins at the diaphragm, splitting to become the paired iliac arteries in the lower abdomen.
The abdominal aorta is the largest artery in the abdominal cavity. As part of the aorta, it is a direct continuation of the descending aorta (of the thorax).
Shapes include fusiform and saccular. Fusiform is when the aneurysm is enlarged equally in all directions; saccular is when the bulge or sac occurs on only one side of the aorta. Possible locations of an aortic aneurysm are as follows: • Ascending (441.2); if ruptured, use 441.1; • Arch (441.2); if ruptured, use 441.1;
The aortic valve may also be repaired or replaced. An endovascular repair may also treat aneurysms. Coding and sequencing for aortic conditions are dependent on the physician documentation in the medical record and application of the Official Coding Guidelines for inpatient care.
Type B does not involve the ascending aorta and may be managed medically. The type of aortic dissection does not affect code assignment. The code assignment is only based on the site of the dissecting aneurysm ( AHA Coding Clinic for ICD-9-CM, 1989, fourth quarter, page 10). Diagnosis and Treatment.
Aortic Dissection. Aortic tissue may tear even without an aneurysm. Dissection is the tearing of the inner layer of a vessel that allows blood to leak between the inner and outer layers, possibly causing severe back or chest pain, pallor, pulselessness, paresthesiae, and paralysis.