Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Repair Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Repair
What is it? Thoracic aortic aneurysm repair involves the removal
of an enlarged portion of the aorta replaced by a woven or
knitted Dacron graft to continue uninterrupted blood flow
through the aorta and all branch vessels. How does it work?
Surgeons will have to perform open heart surgery to replace the
weakened section of the vessel with an artificial tube, called a
graft. Reasons for Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Repair Surgery to
repair an aortic aneurysm depends on the size and location of
the aneurysm and the patients overall health. Aortic aneurysms
in the upper chest (the ascending aorta) are usually operated on
right away. Aneurysms in the lower chest and the area below the
stomach (the descending thoracic and abdominal parts of the
aorta) may not be as life threatening and are watched for
varying periods, depending on their size. If they become large
in diameter, continue to grow, or begin to cause symptoms,
surgery may be performed to stop