Aortic Trauma Foundation Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury
This prospective, multicenter observational study examines the diagnosis, management, and outcomes of blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) across participating trauma centers. Advances in imaging and treatment, particularly computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), have improved the identification and management of BTAI. However, questions remain regarding optimal injury grading, timing of intervention, the role of non-operative management for lower-grade injuries, and the long-term durability of endovascular devices.
The study will collect standardized data on patients older than two years with imaging-confirmed thoracic aortic injury. Data will include patient characteristics, injury severity and grading, diagnostic methods, medical and operative management strategies, and short- and long-term outcomes.
The primary objective is to establish a multicenter database describing the presentation, diagnosis, treatment, surveillance, and outcomes of BTAI. Secondary analyses will evaluate predictors of early aortic rupture and outcomes associated with non-operative management of lower-grade injuries. The findings are intended to improve understanding of BTAI care and inform future guidelines for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.