Learning Objectives:

1. Review the epidemiology risk factors, pathophysiology of thoracic/thoracoabdominal aneurysm formation

    a. incidence is increasing

    b. size is the single most important risk factor

    c. atherosclerotic mediated medial degeneration is responsible for ~80% of TAA/TAAA formation

2.  Define the aortic zones and what constitutes an adequate sealing zone

     a. understand all 11 aortic zones

     b. 2cm proximal and distal seal in general is necessary to perform TEVAR

3. Discuss open and endovascular repair of TAA

     a. if the patient is young with minimal comorbidities and has a connective tissue disorder- open repair is considered first line therapy; once they meet criteria for repair

     b. otherwise TEVAR is first line for management of TAA when anatomically feasible

4. Describe the management of the supra-aortic branches

     a. When extension of aortic seal zone is required into the supra-aortic branches; endovascular branching vs extra anamotica debranching is required.