Overview
We recognize how uncertain your world can seem when you suddenly need medical treatment. That’s why we try to make all our therapies, including our stent graft for treating thoracic aortic aneurysms, as minimally invasive as possible. It can mean you’re in the hospital less and back doing more sooner. Talk to your doctor about your options and see if a stent graft is right for you.
Watchful Waiting
Not all thoracic aortic aneurysms need surgery. If yours is small, your doctor may decide to wait and watch carefully to see if there are any changes. If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medication to lower it. If you smoke, your doctor may suggest that you find help in quitting.
Your doctor may also ask you to make changes in your diet or exercise habits. If the doctor feels there is a risk that the aneurysm will burst, he or she may recommend one of two aneurysm repair methods – either open surgical repair or endovascular stent grafting.
Open Surgical Repair
Open surgery is performed under general anesthesia. A surgeon first makes a cut in your side. Then, the aneurysm is replaced with a fabric graft that is sewn into place. Patients typically spend one night in an intensive care unit and then remain in the hospital for 5 to 7 days.
Endovascular Stent Grafting
An alternative to open surgery is called endovascular stent grafting or endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Endovascular stent grafting is a procedure in which a stent graft (a fabric graft supported by a metal skeleton) is placed inside the thoracic aneurysm without surgically opening the tissue surrounding it.
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.