Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
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The aorta is the largest artery that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. An aortic aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge, or weakness, in the aorta. Aneurysms may develop at any location within the aorta. A thoracic aortic aneurysm refers to an aneurysm in the chest.
A cardiac surgeon will determine the proper course of treatment. Depending on the location of the aneurysm, repair may be approached with open-heart surgery or with a minimally invasive approach, called a thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR).
Preparation for Surgery
Open-heart surgery is performed in a state-of-the-art operating room and is done under general anesthesia. The surgeon will open the chest through an incision in the breastbone and patients are supported with a heart-lung machine during surgery. The aneurysm is repaired by using a special graft to replace the weakened portion of the aorta. Following the surgery, patients are monitored in a Coronary Intensive Care Unit and then cardiac step-down unit through hospital discharge.
If a TEVAR approach is considered best, this minimally invasive surgical procedure involves placement of an expandable stent graft through a small incision in the groin. The stent graft will reinforce the aneurysm. This procedure is performed in a state-of-the-art operating room under general anesthesia. The surgery will be followed by a recovery period as specified by the cardiac surgeon.