Summary

Traumatic aortic transection (TAT) is a rare but often fatal condition, with ∼70% of these events caused by blunt motor vehicle trauma (it is the second most common cause of motor vehicle accident mortality) [Michetti et al. J Trauma 2006]. While the majority of patients dies at the scene of the accident, the prognosis for those who initially survive remains dire, with 90% of deaths occurring within 4 months post-aortic transection. This article presents management strategies for TAT.