Wolf-Hans Eilenberg MD

Introduction The aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) is the most commonly observed variant of the aortic arch and its branches, originating from the aortic arch or descending aorta after the left subclavian artery (LSA). The reported incidence of ARSA ranges from 0.3% to 3% (1).

Introduction Type A aortic dissection (TAAD) is a devastating disease with a high degree of mortality if not intervened promptly (1). TAAD, with its rapid progression, requires a multidisciplinary diagnosis in combination with a proper and timely surgical intervention. A poor prognosis for the disease is mostly associated with the aortic rupture and organ malperfusion (2, 3). Timely surgical reconstruction of aortic aneurysm and its dissection are the mainstays of the TAAD therapy.

Introduction Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) demonstrate a major, life-threatening cardiovascular condition as demonstrated through mortality rates associated with ruptured AAAs estimated at 90% (1). Progress has been made in elucidating the multifactorial process of AAA pathogenesis, in particular the components of chronic inflammation which has led to promising candidates for conservative treatments currently being tested in several prospective clinical trials.