Aneurysm repair surgery
Find a heart specialistIf you have an aneurysm, we provide expert evaluation and a full range of treatments. Our team is here to help care for your heart and provide guidance to help you get well.
What is an aneurysm?
Aneurysms are balloon-shaped bulges in artery walls. The bulges make the artery walls thin and weak, which means they might rupture or tear.
Aneurysm treatments
We’re here to help you determine the best treatment plan based on your symptoms and the nature of the aneurysm.
Depending on the size and location, some aneurysms may need to be treated with aortic aneurysm surgery. Aneurysm surgery (sometimes referred to as aneurysm removal) repairs a bulge in a weakened artery wall before it leaks or bursts. Most aneurysms develop in the aorta – the main artery that carries oxygen-rich blood away from your heart.
Another option is an endovascular stent grafting, a procedure that’s done to reinforce an aortic aneurysm. An endovascular graft is a fabric tube held up by a metal stent. Once it’s placed inside the aneurysm, blood can flow through the stent graft and take the pressure off the aneurysm wall to reduce the chance of rupture.
Newer stent grafts, called fenestrated stent grafts, are available for certain aneurysms near the kidney and internal arteries.
Like all surgeries, endovascular stent grafting has potential risks, which may include:
- Blockage of blood flow through the graft
- Graft fracture
- Infection
- Leaking of blood around the graft
- Movement of the graft from its original location
An annual follow up with a CT scan can help detect and prevent complications.
Prior to surgery, your doctor may request lab tests, a CT scan or an angiogram to evaluate the aneurysm. You'll see a member of your surgical team to:
- Perform an exam to make sure you’re strong enough for surgery and answer any questions
- Give instructions on how to get ready for your procedure including any medications you may need to stop taking
- Answer your questions and concerns
You’ll arrive at the hospital two hours prior to endovascular grafting. For both procedures, you’ll receive a general anesthetic that will put you to sleep so you won’t feel any pain.
Aneurysm surgery: An aneurysm repair surgery typically takes three to six hours. Your surgeon will make an incision in your chest. From there, they’ll replace or reinforce the weakened section of your artery with a graft made from a synthetic material such as Darcon®.
Endovascular grafting: During the endovascular grafting, our vascular team will trim the hair at your groin to prepare for a surgical incision to insert the stent graft. With the help of ultrasound images on a screen, we’ll position and secure the stent graft inside the aneurysm to seal it off. This helps prevent the aneurysm from growing further and takes the pressure off the vessel wall to prevent rupture.
Aneurysm surgery: You’ll spend the first one or two days in an intensive care unit before being transferred to a regular room. Most likely you’ll stay in the hospital for four to seven days after aneurysm removal surgery. Typically, you’ll be able to go home once you’re eating and walking and your pain is under control. During the recovery period – about four to six weeks at home – you'll receive support from nurses, therapists and other specialists. You'll need a postoperative check with your surgeon before you can resume driving, working or doing any strenuous activities.
Endovascular grafting: You’ll stay in the hospital for one to three days. You’ll want to stick with sponge baths or showers instead of baths until the groin incisions heal. Before you go home, your doctor will discuss any restrictions on driving and other activities. Let your doctor know if you experience any discomfort and they can prescribe pain medication as needed. You should fully recover within a month.
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