Endovascular thoracic aortic repair reduces perioperative mortality and neurological morbidity in patients with descending thoracic aortic aneurysms. There may be less benefit in other thoracic aortic conditions.

For effective control of neointimal development in vivo, a pharmacologic strategy should inhibit both SMC migration and proliferation. The ancillary properties of 3-Hydroxy-3 methylglutaryl CoA reductase inhibitors typified by simvastatin may be important in this regard.

Please refer to abstract number 61. This abstract was originally submitted as a poster, and on the basis of its scientific interest and merit, was chosen by the colloquium organizers to be presented as an oral communication, as well as a poster.Please refer to abstract number 52. This abstract was originally submitted as a poster, and on the basis of its scientific interest and merit, was chosen by the colloquium organizers to be presented as an oral communication, as well as a poster.