Overview and Facts about Aortic Aneurysm Surgery
Aortic aneurysm surgery is a surgical intervention used in the treatment of an aneurysm in any part of the aorta. An aneurysm is an enlarged area of a blood vessel that, if left untreated, can rupture, lead to tearing of the vessel wall.
The aorta is the body’s major bloodsupplying artery that extends from the heart to the abdomen, with smaller arteries branching to the head, organs and limbs.
An aneurysm can develop in any part of the aorta, and surgery is often necessary to remove the damaged section of the artery and replace it with a reinforced synthetic graft.
What are the Risks with Aortic Aneurysm Surgery?
A cardiac surgical team with extensive training, skill and experience in aortic aneurysm repair will complete your surgery in the hospital. You will be administered general anesthesia and remain asleep throughout the surgery. The procedure is performed through an incision on the front or left side of your chest, depending on the location of the aneurysm.
Because it is necessary to stop the heart during aortic surgery, a heart-lung machine will be used to continue the circulation of oxygenated blood throughout your body. Clamps will be placed above and below the aneurysm prior to the surgeon removing the damaged aortic tissue and suturing the synthetic graft.
Aortic aneurysm surgery takes, three to six hours to complete. Most people who undergo the procedure remain in the hospital a week following the procedure. During that time, you will be closely cared for by your cardiac care team to ensure you are recovering as expected and to monitor for any postsurgical complications.
Certain activities are restricted for certain lengths of time following any surgical procedure performed on the heart. Cardiac rehabilitation, including the adoption of a new diet, exercise, lifestyle and stress management practices, is vital to long-term recovery.
What are the Side Effects of Aortic Aneurysm Surgery?
Side effects of aortic aneurysm surgery will gradually begin to fade within four to six weeks of the procedure. Many side effects can be managed or minimized with medication or other forms of treatment and support. Common aftereffects of aortic surgery include:
-
Changes in mood, including depression and anxiety
-
Constipation
-
Lack of energy
-
Muscle pain or tightness in the back or shoulders
-
Pain or discomfort at the incision site
-
Trouble sleeping
-
Poor appetite
What are the Risks of a Aortic Aneurysm Surgery?
A cardiac surgical team with extensive training, skill, and experience in aortic aneurysm repair will complete your surgery in the hospital.
You will be administered general anesthesia and remain asleep throughout the surgery. The procedure is performed through an incision on the front or left side of your chest, depending on the location of the aneurysm.
Because it is necessary to stop the heart during aortic surgery, a heart-lung machine will be used to continue the circulation of oxygenated blood throughout your body. Clamps will be placed above and below the aneurysm prior to the surgeon removing the damaged aortic tissue and suturing the synthetic graft in place.
Aortic aneurysm surgery takes three to six hours to complete. Most people who undergo the procedure remain in the hospital a week following the procedure.
During that time, you will be closely cared for by your cardiac care team to ensure you are recovering as expected and to monitor for any postsurgical complications.
Certain activities are restricted for certain lengths of time following any surgical procedure performed on the heart. Cardiac rehabilitation, including the adoption of a new diet, exercise, lifestyle, and stress management practices, is vital to long-term recovery.
