Repair of Aortic Aneurysm

The Aorta is the major artery of the body. It is shaped like a cane. It starts at the heart and as it advances into the chest and into the abdomen, it braches out to supply blood to the brain, arms, intestines, liver, etc. It ends about the level of the belly-button where it divides in two and delivers blood to the legs. A dilatation (aneurysm) may form in any part of the Aorta including the chest portion (Thoracic aneurysm), the abdominal portion (Abdominal aneurysm) or both (Thoraco-abdominal aneurysm). The Thoracic aneurysms are divided into two types: ascending and descending.

The decision to repair an aneurysm is based mainly upon its size although other factors are also considered. The larger the aneurysm the higher is the chance of rupture. The goal is to intervene before rupture or dissection occurs which can be devastating and even fatal.

The repair can be performed using either the open or endovascular techniques. The open technique consists of replacing the aneurysm with a tube graft that is sewn to the normal aorta. The endovascular (endograft) technique consists of deploying an expandable wire-framed tube inside the Aorta through a small cut in the groin. The choice of technique to be used is based on the location, size and anatomy of the aneurysm as well as the patient's age and medical condition.