An aortic dissection is a tear in the wall of the aorta, the body’s main artery. It can cause blood to fill the 3 layers of the aorta, depleting the oxygen and nutrients required for the organs to function normally. An aortic dissection surgery can repair the tear via two methods: open heart surgery or endovascular surgery.
Procedure Duration
Recovery Time: 2-3 weeks
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People who have an aortic dissection require aortic dissection surgery to fix the tear.
Aortic dissection surgery is a serious procedure due to the life-threatening nature of this condition, especially if it affects the ascending aorta. In such cases, the risk of death can be as high as 100% within a week without surgery. However, immediate surgery for ascending aortic or aortic arch dissections is advised, and cardiac surgeons with expertise in this area can significantly improve the chances of survival for patients.
Aortic dissection repair can be performed using two surgical methods: standard open-heart surgery or less-invasive endovascular surgery. Open-heart surgery is the traditional method, while endovascular surgery may be recommended for patients who may not be strong enough for open-heart surgery. The choice of surgical method will depend on various factors, such as the patient’s overall health, the extent of the dissection, and the surgeon’s expertise.
It’s possible to live a normal life post aortic dissection surgery as long as you follow your doctor’s advice, including maintaining your blood pressure as well as limiting physical activities.
The main causes of aortic dissection include uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension), hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), weakened and bulging artery (aortic aneurysm), and aortic valve defect (bicuspid aortic valve). Aortic dissection can also occur due to injury or trauma to the chest.
Aortic dissection is treatable, but may not be curable. Early intervention, such as surgery or medication, can help to prevent further damage and improve the prognosis, but long-term management and monitoring are often required.
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