Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Aortic Dissection Surgery 718.780.7700

What is an Aortic Aneurysm and Aortic Dissection?

The aorta circulates oxygen rich blood from the heart throughout the entire body. As the largest artery in humans it is crucial that it function properly, yet it is a complex mechanism and susceptible to several diseases and disorders. When the three layered walls of the aorta weaken over time bulges or bubbles may form. The bulges are generically called Aortic Aneurysms. They can occur in the abdomen or chest.

Aneurysms generally develop over time and can be genetic, caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices, high blood pressure or the result of some sudden trauma to the aorta. These are called Aortic Aneurysms. However, if a tear develops in the walls of a weakened aorta the layers may separate, like the layers of a peeled onion. This is called Aortic Dissection and is considered a different condition than Aortic Aneurysm. Aortic Dissections are usually an emergency condition and may require immediate surgery.

What can I expect during aneurysm surgery?

Your New York Methodist doctor will lay out a plan of care mostly dependent on the size of the aneurysm, your symptoms and general health condition. Approaches will range from vigilant yearly monitoring of the abnormal aortic area to requiring emergency surgery should the aneurysm be near rupture or dissection.

Your ability to tolerate surgery will be a key factor in deciding your treatment as your surgeon will need to open your abdomen or chest and to repair the aneurysm and strengthen the aortic wall with man-made material. You should discuss with your doctor the possibility of having a less invasive procedure that shores up the area damaged by the aneurysm with a metal graft. This is called Endovascular Surgery which does not require exposing the thoracic area and whose popularity is on the rise.

After surgery you can expect your doctor to propose a number of continued heart medications for high cholesterol and high blood pressure (or Hypertension) as well as numerous lifestyle changes regarding diet, exercise and avoiding alcohol and smoking. Following these guidelines closely may keep you from developing new aneurysms or other complications while contributing to a healthier prolonged life expectancy.

For more information, call 718.780.7700.