Most experts recommend annual evaluation of the aorta to look for enlargement.Īt 3.7 cm, the risk of rupture is negligible, and surgery is not indicated. Once an aneurism reaches 6 cm, it becomes very likely to rupture, which leads to almost instantaneous death. The usual definition of an aneurysm is a 50% increase in the expected size, so at about 4.4 cm. The normal ascending aorta - the part between the left ventricle and the arch - is 2.9 cm. The larger an aneurysm, the more dangerous, as it becomes more likely to rupture. Weaknesses in the wall of the aorta, which is so thick that it contains both muscles and blood vessels of its own, may cause the progressive expansion of the aorta's wall: an aneurysm. Any abnormalities of the aorta are taken very seriously. There it splits into the two femoral arteries at about the level of the bellybutton. My family doctor told me not to take aspirin.ĭear S.A.: The aorta is the major artery of the body, coming directly off of the left ventricle of the heart, forming an arch, then descending through the chest into the abdomen. Why can't I have surgery? I take 20 mg of simvastatin for cholesterol and my blood pressure is 101/60. Is there anything I can do to slow it down? All I've read is that with an aneurysm, you will just drop dead. My doctor flippantly said "I'll see you in five years." No other comments from him. I had a CT scan for calcium and an aneurysm of the ascending thoracic aorta was found. Roach: I am a very active 78-year-old woman. General cardiac and pulmonary evaluation may also be done.Dear Dr. Follow up for the aortic problem will be arranged at the center. Patients can be seen by multiple physicians on the same day, and the appointments are made with a single phone call to the Thoracic Aortic Center number.Įvaluation will result in a recommendation for either intervention or follow-up. Outpatient referrals of patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms will result in multidisciplinary evaluation by appropriate physicians from cardiology, vascular radiology, cardiac and vascular surgery. Coverage is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week to receive emergency referrals from any regional physician or emergency department if an acute syndrome related to the thoracic aorta is suspected. A phone call to the Thoracic Aortic Center will set in motion the assembly of a team for emergency evaluation and management of the patient. Patient referrals can be made to the Thoracic Aortic Center at 61 or directly to any of the participating physicians. This involves placement of a stent graft in the proximal descending aorta during circulatory arrest to accomplish single stage treatment of these aneurysms. For aneurysms that involve the proximal descending aorta, hybrid techniques such as the “Frozen Elephant Trunk” procedure can be performed. This strategy preserves vital organs while Massachusetts General Hospital cardiac surgeons work to replace the aneurysmal portion of the aortic arch. This involves supplying oxygen-rich blood to the brain using a process called selective antegrade cerebral perfusion. Aortic arch replacement is recommended for large aneurysms to minimize the risk of these complications.Īortic arch surgery requires complex circulatory management and hypothermic circulatory arrest, where the body is cooled to very low temperatures while maintaining selective blood perfusion to preserve blood supply to the brain. Aortic aneurysms predispose patients to a risk of aortic dissection (tear in the wall of the aorta), bleeding or rupture. Billing, Insurance & Financial AssistanceĪortic arch aneurysm is an abnormal dilation of the most superior part of the aorta that gives rise to the arteries supplying blood to the upper body, including the brain and the arms.
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