Aortic Aneurysm Surgery and Stenting - 718.780.7700

What is an aortic aneurysm?

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.

What is aortic dissection?

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.

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."

What is an endovascular stent graft?

Endovascular means that surgery is performed inside your aorta using thin, long tubes called catheters. Through small incisions in the groin, the catheters are used to guide and deliver a stent-graft through the blood vessels to the site of the aneurysm. The stent graft is then deployed in the diseased segment of the aorta and "relines" the aorta like a sleeve to divert blood flow away from the aneurysm.

An endovascular stent graft is a fabric tube supported by metal wire stents (also called a scaffold) that reinforces the weak spot in the aorta. By sealing the area tightly with your artery above and below the aortic aneurysm, the graft allows blood to pass through it without pushing on the aneurysm.


Endovascular repair of thoracic aneurysms is generally less painful and has a lower risk of complications than traditional surgery because the incisions are smaller. Endovascular aorta aneurysm procedures also allow you to leave the Hospital sooner and recover more quickly after your aorta repair.


For more information, call 718.780.7700.