Thoratic Aortic Aneurysm Repair
What is it?
Thoracic aortic aneurysm surgery is a treatment for a bulge (aneurysm) in the part of your aorta that runs through your chest (thoracic aorta). Your aorta is the large artery that carries blood from your heart throughout the rest of your body. It starts at your heart and extends through your chest and abdomen before it ends at your pelvis.
Not everyone needs surgery for a thoracic aortic aneurysm. Whether you need surgical treatment depends on several factors, including the aneurysm’s size, your symptoms and your overall health.
A thoracic aortic aneurysm surgery may be recommended to lower your risk of an aneurysm rupture. Thoracic aortic aneurysm don’t always rupture. They are life-threatening if they do.
When is repair needed?
There are two procedures to treat a thoracic aortic aneurysm:
Open thoracic aneurysm repair is an open surgery that requires a long incision along the side of your chest. Your surgeon removes the damaged portion of the aorta and replaces it with synthetic material (graft).
Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a minimally invasive procedure. Dr Tsotetsi will reach your aorta by placing a small, hollow tube (catheter)through a blood vessel in your groin. He will use the catheter to place a small mesh device (stent) that repairs the diseased portion of the aorta and resores the prper blood flow