An aneurysm occurs when the wall of a blood vessel weakens and begins to widen or balloon outward. Aneurysms develop gradually, and people often do not have symptoms until the aneurysm begins to leak or grow. Thoracic aortic aneurysms are somewhat rare but life-threatening. Surgical intervention is necessary to prevent thoracic aortic aneurysms from rupturing. At Parkridge Cardiothoracic Surgery, we use several methods to treat aneurysms that vary depending on the aneurysm’s location and size.
The aorta is composed of three parts: the ascending aorta, the aortic arch and the descending aorta. The approach to treatment varies for aneurysms affecting different parts of the aorta.
For aneurysms larger than 5 to 6 centimeters located in the ascending aorta or the aortic arch, surgery is required to replace the aorta with a plastic or fabric graft.
For aneurysms larger than 6 centimeters located in the descending thoracic aorta, surgical replacement of the aorta with a fabric graft is required. Depending on your condition, your cardiothoracic surgeon may recommend an endovascular stent procedure. This operation is less invasive than aorta replacement and involves a stent placed inside the aorta to hold it open.
Causes for Aortic Aneurysm
Thoracic aortic aneurysms occur in approximately 6 to 10 per 100,000 people, and around 20 percent of those cases are linked with family history, according to the Society for Vascular Surgery.
Hardening of the arteries is the most common cause of thoracic aortic aneurysm, and this condition is often associated with high cholesterol, long-term high blood pressure and smoking. Other causes include connective tissue disorders, such as Marfan or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, aortic inflammation, traumatic injury, and syphilis.
If you have a strong family history of connective tissue disorders or experience inexplicable chest or back pain, ask your primary care provider about thoracic aortic aneurysm. He or she will be able to assess your risk and refer you to Parkridge Cardiothoracic Surgery for an evaluation.
For more information about Parkridge Cardiothoracic Surgery or to schedule an appointment, call (423) 698-2435.