Thoracic aortic aneurysm

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Heart, section through the middle

Aortic rupture, chest X-ray

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Thoracic aortic aneurysm

Alternative Names:

Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic

Treatment:

The treatment depends on the location of the aneurysm.

For patients with aneurysms of the ascending aorta or aortic arch, surgery to replace the aorta is recommended if the diameter of the aorta measures greater than 5-6 cm. The aorta is replaced with a fabric substitute in an operation that uses a heart-lung machine. If the aortic arch is involved, a specialized technique called "circulatory arrest" -- a period without blood circulation while on life support -- may be necessary.

For patients with aneurysms of the descending thoracic aorta, two options are available. For patients with aneurysms that are larger than 6 cm, an operation for replacement of the aorta with a fabric substitute can be done, or the aorta can be stented.

Stenting involves the use of a tube placed inside the vessel and can be performed without a chest incision, with specialized catheters that are introduced through arteries at the groin. Not all patients with descending thoracic aneurysms are candidates for stenting, however.

Expectations (prognosis):

The long-term prognosis for patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm is determined by other medical problems such as heart disease and diabetes, which may have caused or contributed to the condition.

Complications:

Serious complications after aortic surgery can include: heart attack, irregular heartbeats, bleeding, stroke, paralysis, graft infection, and kidney damage. Death soon after the operation occurs in 5-10% of patients.

Calling your health care provider:

Patients with chest or back discomfort should consult their physician. Patients with a family history of connective tissue disorders should notify their physician.

Review Date: 4/13/2004
Reviewed By: John A. Daller, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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