Treating Aortic Aneurysm

Surgery

Surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm is called aneurysmectomy . It involves removing the portion of the aorta that contains the aneurysm and replacing it with a mesh graft.

With aneurysms of the thoracic aorta, the aortic valve may also be affected and need to be replaced or repaired. If the aneurysm involves important branches of the aorta, these vessels may either be repaired or bypassed.

When deciding whether to operate, the doctor will consider:

• Your age
• Your general health
• Your symptoms
• The size of your aneurysm
• Associated disease ( kidney failure, stroke , etc.)
• If the aneurysm has ruptured or not
• If you've had a recent heart attack

Stenting

Depending on where the aneurysm is located and how complex it is, stenting may be done. A stent-graft is a polyester tube covered by a tubular metal web. The stent-graft is inserted through a small incision in the upper thigh into the aorta. Using x-ray, it is guided through the aorta to the site of the aneurysm. With the stent-graft in place, blood flows through the stent-graft instead of into the aneurysm, eliminating the chance of rupture.