3D Printed Ruptured Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

3D Printed Ruptured Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Clinical HistoryNo clinical details are available for this specimen. Pathology The heart displays both ventricles from the posterior aspect. There is a prominent saccular dilatation of the thoracic ascending aorta, which shows several atherosclerotic plaques and posteriorly is seen to be ruptured (identified by the dark staining). Both ventricles are hypertrophied. The coronary arteries together with the aortic and tricuspid valves are normal. This is an example of a ruptured aneurysm of the ascending aorta. Further informationThe dilation of the ascending aorta is a common incidental finding on transthoracic echocardiography performed for unrelated indications.The thoracic aorta is divided into 3 parts: ascending, arch and descending. The ascending aorta originates beyond the aortic valve and ends right before the innominate artery (brachiocephalic trunk). It is approximately 5 cm long and is composed of two distinct