| Aortic Aneurysm | | | | the aorta with a fabric substitute. Endovascular |
| A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a widening (bulging) of | | | | stenting is a less invasive option. A stent is a tiny metal |
| part of the wall of the aorta, the body's largest artery. | | | | or plastic tube that is used to hold an artery open. |
| | | | Stents can be placed into the body without cutting the |
| Thoracic aneurysms most often occur in the | | | | chest. Instead, tiny, hollow tubes called catheters are |
| descending thoracic aorta. Others may appear in the | | | | inserted into the groin area. The stent is passed |
| ascending aorta or the aortic arch. | | | | through the catheter and into the area of the |
| The most common cause of a thoracic aortic | | | | aneurysm. Not all patients with descending thoracic |
| aneurysm is hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). | | | | aneurysms are candidates for stenting, however. |
| Other risk factors include : - | | | | Outlook (Prognosis) |
| * Connective tissue disorders such as Marfan | | | | The long-term prognosis for patients with thoracic |
| syndrome | | | | aortic aneurysm is determined by other medical |
| * Having high blood pressure for a long time | | | | problems such as heart disease and diabetes, which |
| * Previous dissection of the aorta | | | | may have caused or contributed to the condition. |
| * Syphilis | | | | Possible Complications |
| * Trauma such as falls or motor vehicle accidents | | | | Serious complications after aortic surgery can include : |
| Symptoms | | | | - |
| Most patients have no symptoms until the aneurysm | | | | * Bleeding |
| begins to leak or expand. Chest or back pain may | | | | * Graft infection |
| mean sudden widening or leakage of the aneurysm. | | | | * Heart attack |
| Exams and Tests | | | | * Irregular heartbeat |
| The physical examination is often normal. Most non | | | | * Kidney damage |
| leaking thoracic aortic aneurysms are detected by | | | | * Paralysis |
| tests -- usually a chest x-ray or a chest CT scan -- | | | | * Stroke |
| run for other reasons. A chest x-ray and chest CT | | | | When to Contact a Medical Professional |
| scan show if the aorta is enlarged. A chest CT scan | | | | Tell your doctor if you have : - |
| shows the size of the aorta and the exact location of | | | | * A family history of connective tissue disorders |
| the aneurysm. | | | | * Chest or back discomfort |
| An aortogram (a special set of x-ray images made | | | | Prevention |
| when dye is injected into the aorta) can identify the | | | | To prevent atherosclerosis : - |
| aneurysm and any branches of the aorta that may be | | | | * Control your blood pressure and blood lipid levels. |
| involved. | | | | * Do not smoke. |
| Treatment | | | | * Exercise regularly. |
| The treatment depends on the location of the | | | | |
| aneurysm. For patients with aneurysms of the | | | | |
| ascending aorta or aortic arch, surgery to replace the | | | | Please log on to : Aortic Aneurysm |
| aorta is recommended if the aneurysm is larger than 5 | | | | Please log on to : Get A Quote |
| - 6 centimeters. The aorta is replaced with a fabric | | | | We Care Core Values |
| substitute. | | | | "We have a very simple business model that keeps |
| This is major surgery that requires a heart-lung | | | | you as the centre." |
| machine. If the aortic arch is involved, a specialized | | | | Having the industry's most elaborate and exclusive |
| technique called "circulatory arrest" may be necessary. | | | | Patient Care and Clinical Coordination teams stationed |
| This involves a period without blood circulation while | | | | at each partner hospital, we provide you the |
| the patient is on life support. | | | | smoothest and seamless care ever imagined. With a |
| There are two options for patients with aneurysms of | | | | ratio of one Patient Care Manager to five patients our |
| the descending thoracic aorta. If the aneurysm is larger | | | | patient care standards are unmatched across the sub |
| than 6 centimeters, major surgery is done to replace | | | | continent. |