At what size should an ascending aortic aneurysm be repaired?
At what size should an ascending aortic aneurysm be repaired?
Once an aneurysm is discovered, the decision to treat it usually depends on its size or rate of growth. Usually, surgical repair is necessary once an aneurysm reaches 5 centimeters (cm) in diameter.
When does an ascending aortic aneurysm need surgery?
If an aortic aneurysm—a bulge in the wall of your body’s main artery—is larger than 2 inches (or 5.0 to 5.5 centimeters) in diameter, is growing fast, or is causing serious symptoms (such as pain or trouble breathing), it is advisable to consider the possibility of surgical repair.
How long does an ascending aortic aneurysm repair last?
The operation may take 5 hours or longer. You may need several surgical repairs over your lifetime. This depends on the health of the aortic valve and heart arteries. You will have general anesthesia to make you comfortable and sleep through the surgery.
What is the cutoff diameter size for elective resection for thoracic aortic aneurysms?
We recommend 5.5 cm as an acceptable size for elective resection of ascending aortic aneurysms, because resection can be performed with relatively low mortality.
What is an ascending aortic aneurysm?
An ascending aortic aneurysm is an abnormal bulging and weakening in your aorta at the point before the curve. If an aortic aneurysm ruptures, it can cause life-threatening bleeding.
What are the indications for the replacement of the ascending aorta?
(10) Indications for replacement of the ascending aorta are influenced by aetiology, diameter, and rate of growth of the aneurysm. The indications are as follows: (11,12) Asymptomatic ascending aortic aneurysm >5.0 cm in diameter. Symptomatic aneurysm irrespective of size.
What are the signs and symptoms of thoracic aortic aneurysm?
Back pain caused by a thoracic aortic aneurysm is often felt between the shoulder blades, or a bit lower. It usually occurs with an aneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta. Hoarseness. Dilation of the ascending aorta or the aortic arch can affect the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which supplies the vocal cords.
When is surgical intervention indicated for aortic aneurysm diameter?
Aneurysm diameter is the main indication for elective surgical intervention, as it correlates strongly with the risk of the ascending aortic aneurysm dissecting or rupturing (1,9).
