Are Penetrating Aortic Ulcers Best Treated Using an Endovascular Approach?

Endovascular therapy for penetrating aortic ulcers of the descending thoracic aorta is safe and feasible. The number of patients diagnosed with penetrating aortic ulcers is expected to increase as improved imaging systems are becoming more commonplace. As a result, new and safer treatment paradigms will become even more important in the treatment of aortic diseases. Compared with historical surgical results, endovascular therapy for penetrating aortic ulcers of the descending thoracic aorta appears to have less operative mortality and is as equally effective as open surgical repair. Long-term surveillance and continued investigation are warranted.