From Ebers to EVARs

Abstract

Pathology of the aorta has been recognized for nearly three and a half millennia, dating back to the first recorded description in the scrolls of Ebers, circa 1550 BC. Since that time, treatment has evolved from magical medicinal remedies and incantations to nearly outpatient percutaneous interventions. From the first attempts at open surgical reconstruction in the 1700s and 1800s, to the latest generations of endovascular devices, innovative pioneers have pushed the envelope of surgical technique in developing unique and novel strategies to treat the ever complex pathology of the aorta. We are just now beginning to understand these pathologies at the molecular and genetic levels, and with that expansive extent of investigation enters a journal, dedicated solely to the aorta. With this article, we hope to illuminate the rich and deep history of aortic pathology, and the innovations leading to the technology of today. A firm understanding of our past provides a strong foundation for further growth into the future.

• References

• 1 Thompson JE. Early history of aortic surgery. J Vasc Surg 1998; 28: 746-752 . 10.1016/S0741-5214(98)70107-7
• 2 Bryan CP. The Papyrus Ebers. London: The Garden City Press LTD; 1930
• 3 Singer C. A Short History of Anatomy and Physiology from the Greeks to Harvey: The Evolution of Anatomy. Mineola, NY: Dover Publications, Inc; 1957
• 4 Cooley DA. Surgical Treatment of Aortic Aneurysms. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Company; 1986
• 5 Galen J. Observations on Aneurysms. Translated by Erichsen JE. London: Syndenham Society; 1944
• 6 Westaby S, Bosher C. Landmarks in Cardiac Surgery. Oxford: Isis Medical Media; 1997
• 7 Karamanou M, Vlachopoulos C, Stefanadis C. , et al. Professor Jean-Nicolas Corvisart des Marets (1755–1821): founder of modern cardiology. Hellenic journal of cardiology: HJC = Hellenike kardiologike epitheorese 2010; 51: 290-293
• 8 Cooley DA. Aortic aneurysm operations: past, present, and future. Ann Thorac Surg 1999; 67: 1959-1962 ; discussion 1979–1980. 10.1016/S0003-4975(99)00393-8
• 9 Finney JM. The wiring of otherwise inoperable aneurisms: with report of cases. Ann Surg 1912; 55: 661-681 . 10.1097/00000658-191205000-00002
• 10 Matas RI. An operation for the radical cure of aneurism based upon arteriorrhaphy. Ann Surg 1903; 37: 161-196
• 11 Matas R. Ligation of the abdominal aorta: report of the ultimate result, one year, five months and nine days after ligation of the abdominal aorta for aneurism at the bifurcation. Ann Surg 1925; 81: 457-464 . 10.1097/00000658-192502010-00004
• 12 Rea CE. The surgical treatment of aneurysm of the abdominal aorta. Minnesota medicine 1948; 31: 153-156
• 13 Dubost C, Allary M, Oeconomos N. Resection of an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta: reestablishment of the continuity by a preserved human arterial graft, with result after five months. AMA Arch Surg 1952; 64: 405-408 . 10.1001/archsurg.1952.01260010419018
• 14 Creech Jr O. Endo-aneurysmorrhaphy and treatment of aortic aneurysm. Ann Surg 1966; 164: 935-946 . 10.1097/00000658-196612000-00001
• 15 De Bakey ME, Cooley DA, Crawford ES. Clinical application of a new flexible knitted Dacron arterial substitute. Am Surg 1958; 24: 862-869
• 16 Crawford ES. Thoraco-abdominal and abdominal aortic aneurysms involving renal, superior mesenteric, celiac arteries. Ann Surg 1974; 179: 763-772 . 10.1097/00000658-197405000-00032
• 17 Parodi JC, Palmaz JC, Barone HD. Transfemoral intraluminal graft implantation for abdominal aortic aneurysms. Ann Vasc Surg 1991; 5: 491-499 . 10.1007/BF02015271