Use of three dimensional-printing in the management of floating aortic thrombus due to occult aortic dissection: A case report

Figure 1 Preoperative chest computed tomography scanning at the local hospital. Space occupying and calcification within the lumen of the thoracic aorta were observed.

Figure 2 Preoperative computed tomography angiography. A: The thrombus originated from the lesser curve of the aortic arch, and its distal part was floating; B: Calcified plaques and hematoma (arrow a) located at the aortic wall, and some calcified plaques were within the floating thrombus; and C: A pedicle (arrow b) connected the floating thrombus to the adjacent aortic wall.

Figure 3 The three dimensional printed model of the aorta and floating thrombus. A: The thrombus and adjacent aortic wall were linked along the long axis; B: A longitudinal flap (arrow a) linked the floating thrombus and the adjacent aortic wall; and C: The three dimensional-printed model revealed a defect in the adjacent aortic wall (arrow b).

Figure 4 Computed tomography angiography at 1-year follow-up. No filling defect in the stent-graft and thoracic aorta.