Breakdown (mechanical) of aortic (bifurcation) graft (replacement) digital illustration

Breakdown (mechanical) of aortic (bifurcation) graft (replacement) Save


ICD-10 code: T82.310

Chapter: Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes

Breakdown (mechanical) of aortic (bifurcation) graft (replacement)

Aortic bifurcation graft replacement is a surgical procedure to replace a damaged or diseased portion of the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The graft is typically made of a synthetic material, such as polyester or Dacron, and is sewn in place to replace the damaged section of the artery.

While aortic graft replacement is generally a safe and effective procedure, there is a small risk of mechanical breakdown of the graft over time. This can occur due to a variety of factors, such as wear and tear on the graft material, damage to the graft during surgery, or an infection that weakens the graft.

If a mechanical breakdown of the aortic graft occurs, it can lead to serious complications, such as bleeding, aortic rupture, or decreased blood flow to the organs. Symptoms of a breakdown may include sudden onset of severe abdominal or back pain, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness.

  1. Treatment: If a mechanical breakdown of an aortic graft is suspected, immediate medical attention is necessary. Treatment may involve surgery to repair or replace the damaged graft, or other interventions to stabilize the patient's condition.
  2. Prevention: While mechanical breakdown of an aortic graft cannot always be prevented, there are steps that can be taken to lower the risk. These may include regular monitoring of the graft through imaging tests, such as CT scans or ultrasounds, and taking steps to prevent infection or damage to the graft during surgery or other medical procedures.
  3. Long-term outlook: With prompt treatment, many cases of mechanical breakdown of aortic grafts can be successfully managed. However, the long-term outlook may depend on the extent of the damage to the graft and the patient's overall health.

In summary, while aortic bifurcation graft replacement is a generally safe and effective procedure, a mechanical breakdown of the graft can occur over time. Immediate medical attention is necessary if a breakdown is suspected, and steps can be taken to lower the risk of a breakdown occurring in the first place.