Thoracic Aneurysm clinical trials

Effectiveness of Acetazolamide in Reducing Paralysis of the Leg in Patients Undergoing Aortic Aneurysm Surgery Surgery

The aorta is a large vessel that carries blood away from the heart. Sometimes it becomes dilated (swells) and this is known as 'aneurysm'. It may cause either dissection (splitting of the wall) or rupture (bursting). Treatments could be through open surgery or by use of stents (tubular mesh) through the groin. There is a risk of causing paraplegia, which is the loss/weakness of leg function as well as incontinence (loss of bladder and/or bowel control). To try and prevent this, a number of techniques are used such as removing/draining of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (the clear fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord). Sometimes however; - CSF cannot be drained - drain cannot be inserted - draining is unlikely to improve the situation - Paralysis/weakness of the leg is seen In these situations, the use of a drug called acetazolamide may be helpful. This reduces the production of CSF and therefore decreases the need for CSF draining. It may also have an effect in decreasing the risk of paraplegia. Patients will be randomly (by chance) placed into one of two groups. One will get the drug as tablets and injection and the other will not receive any acetazolamide at all. Blood tests will be done in both groups. We expect to have 100 patients in the study, with patient involvement for a total of 10 days (maximum).