Surgical management of giant descending aortic thrombus detected by transesophageal echocardiography

Abstract

With the advent of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), giant thrombi of the descending aorta are becoming increasingly recognized as possible sources of peripheral emboli. This report describes the management of three patients presenting with multiple unexplained peripheral emboli. All three patients were treated successfully with aortic thrombectomy and long-term anticoagulation.