Dr. Hila Beckerman, MD

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Back and Neck Surgery, also called spinal fusion, may be necessary when the vertebrae (small bony segments that make up the spine) become displaced, inflamed, or injured, and cause pain. Fusion surgery is performed to strengthen and limit motion of the spine until it can heal, and can involve metal rods and screws and/or bone grafts. Back and neck fusion may be needed to correct:

A developmental defect

A fracture

A degenerative disease, such as arthritis

Damage caused by infection or a tumor

Degeneration of the cushioning disk

An orthopedic surgeon usually performs this surgery, which requires a hospital stay. Recovery time will vary, and depends upon the patient, the extent of the injury, and the judgment and expertise of the physician.

Back surgery involves removal of all or part of a vertebra or disk in order to relieve pressure and pain on the nerves in the spine. A vertebra is one of 33 small bones making up the spine. Disks are the cushioning between the vertebrae that prevent the bones from coming into contact with each other.

A herniated disk is one that has ruptured or bulged from a tear in the disk covering. If the herniated disk presses on a nerve, surgery may be required to relieve the pressure and the pain associated with it.
Surgery may include:

Removal of part of a vertebra

Removal of a herniated disk

Incision of ligaments in the spinal cord to relieve pressure

Incision of nerves in the spinal cord

Removing damaged tissue on a vertebra

Back surgery is usually performed by an orthopedic surgeon, and is done under general anesthesia. It is an inpatient procedure, which means that it requires a hospital stay. The surgery will relieve pain and allow the back to heal. Recovery time is typically 1-3 months.

Bone marrow is a soft, fatty tissue inside the bones where blood cells (red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells) are produced and developed. Bone marrow biopsies (collection of a small sample for examination) are used to evaluate blood disorders and diagnosis certain types of cancers. They can also be helpful in diagnosing fevers of unknown origins.

A bone marrow biopsy can be an aspiration, a needle biopsy, or both. A local anesthetic is applied to numb the skin and the tissue down to the surface of the bone. A special needle is then used to penetrate the outer shell of the bone. Once inside, the center part of needle is replaced by a syringe and the liquid is collected. For a biopsy, the center of the needle is not replaced and the needle cuts a core that is collected by the needle. The core is extracted and prepared for examination by a pathologist.

Since the area is very small, usually a bandage is applied and the patient is released.

Bone marrow is a soft, fatty tissue inside the bones where blood cells (red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells) are produced and developed. A bone marrow transplant is a procedure to transplant healthy bone marrow into a patient whose bone marrow is not functioning properly (that is, diseased or damaged). Problems in bone marrow are often caused by chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer. Bone marrow transplant is also done to correct hereditary blood diseases.

The patient is given high doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation to destroy the diseased cells prior to the implantation or transplantation. The cells and/or marrow are then injected directly into the patient's vein. This procedure is done in the patient's hospital room and does not require an operating room.

The name of the procedure depends the source of the healthy bone marrow (or stem cells). The healthy bone marrow (or stem cells) may be taken from:

•  the patient prior to chemotherapy or radiation treatment (autograft or transplantation-autologous),

•  a donor who is not an identical twin (allograft or transplantion-allogenic), or

•  an identical twin (syngenetic or transplantation-syngenetic).

Brain surgery is sometimes necessary to repair an injury, remove a tumor or lesion, or to stop bleeding or infection. Before surgery, an incision is made in the skull, and bone is removed to provide access to the brain. After surgery, the bone is replaced. This inpatient surgery is performed under general anesthesia by a neurosurgeon and requires a hospital stay. Brain surgery is performed in order to:

• Repair a fracture
• Remove a tumor or lesion
• Remove a blood clot
• Treat an area of infection
• Stop bleeding
• Implant electrodes to monitor seizures
• Treat an aneurysm (weakness in a blood vessel wall)

The patient may achieve partial recovery from brain surgery in one to four weeks; full recovery may take up to eight weeks, depending on patient health, the extent of the disease or injury, and the surgical procedures used by the physician.

Risks for any surgery are:

• Bleeding
• Infection

Additional risks of brain surgery are:

• Injury to brain tissue
• Injury to blood vessels
• Nerve or muscle paralysis or weekness
• Loss of mental functions (memory, speech, understanding)

Breast reconstruction surgery is performed when a breast has been removed due to cancer or other disease. Virtually any patient who loses their breast can have it rebuilt (with artificial implants and native tissue) through econstructive surgery, but there are risks associated with any surgery.

There are several different procedures that are associated with breast reconstruction. The first stage of reconstruction, the creation of the breast mound, is almost always performed in a hospital setting under general anesthesia. Follow-up surgery, however, may be performed at a hospital or an outpatient facility.

The surgery can take place immediately following the mastectomy or can be delayed.

Procedures include:

• Breast Prosthesis – This procedure involves inserting a breast implant.

• Nipple/Areola Reconstruction – This procedure involves either rebuilding the nipple or the areola (the circular area of darker pigmentation around the nipple). The nipple can be rebuilt using a skin flap or graft. The areola can be rebuilt using a graft or tattooing process.

• Breast Expander – A breast expander is used to stretch the skin. A surgeon inserts a balloon expander beneath the skin and the chest muscle. Periodically, the surgeon will inject a salt-water solution over a period of several weeks or months to stretch the skin. Once stretched, the surgeon can insert a more permanent implant. Some expanders can be left in place as the final implant.

• Flap Reconstruction – Flap reconstruction is the process of creating a skin flap using tissue from other areas of the body. Latissimus Dorsi Flap uses the tissue on the upper back. Free Flaps transplant non-essential donor tissue from one part of the body. Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous (TRAM) Flaps use tissue from the lower abdominal wall.

Breast reduction surgery is performed to reduce the size of a patient's breasts. Many patients choose this operation to reduce back, neck and shoulder pain. Some choose this operation to make it easier to participate in sporting activities, to eliminate sleeping problems or poor posture resulting from large breasts, or to avoid unwanted attention and comments about large breasts.

Often called Reduction Mammoplasty, this surgery involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the breasts, reshaping of the breasts to form smaller breasts, and repositioning of the nipples.

The surgery is performed in a hospital setting under a general anesthesia and involves an overnight stay, sometimes longer.

A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base and the side of the big toe and consists of a bony growth. Most commonly seen in women, it is thought that wearing narrow pointed-toed shoes is the main cause. However, bunions are also known to be hereditary and are even found in societies where no footwear is ever worn, leading to the conclusion of inherited foot problems.

Surgical removal of a bunion is usually done while the patient is under general anesthesia and rarely requires a hospital stay. A podiatrist will make an incision along the bones of the big toe into the foot. The deformed joint and bones are repaired, and the bones are stabilized with a pin and/or cast.

Different procedures include:

• Keller Procedure – Distal soft tissue release
• McBride Procedure – Removal of the base of the proximal phalanx
• Mayo Procedure – Removal of the metatarsal head
• Removal of Joint with Implant - Removal of the total joint with implant placement
• Joplin Procedure – Transplantation of tendons
• Osteotomy – Surgical cutting of the joint
• Lapidus Procedure – Distal soft tissue rearrangement

Carotid surgery is a surgical procedure to remove the lining and fatty obstruction of a carotid artery that has been narrowed by atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the narrowing of arteries usually due to the buildup of fatty tissue. The largest and most common clinical problems associated with atherosclerosis of a carotid artery are stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

A carotid surgery restores normal blood flow to the brain, reducing stroke or TIA risk. Before surgery, the site of narrowing is located by means of an x-ray procedure called angiography.

Carotid surgery is a delicate procedure that may take several hours to perform. The procedure is performed in a hospital setting with general anesthesia. The artery is exposed, clamps are applied, an incision is made, and the diseased lining is removed along with the atherosclerotic material and any thrombus (blood clot) that has formed. The incision is closed with stitches. Most patients are able to leave the hospital within a day or two.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.

Aortic aneurysm repair is performed when an aneurysm forms in the aortic artery. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. The aorta is a large artery that stems from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
• Thoracic aorta – the major artery from the heart that supplies blood through the chest.

Repairing an aortic aneurysm usually entails surgery, although a stent-graft repair procedure is also gaining popularity as it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. The most common procedures are as follows:

• Open Aorta Surgical Repair – The open aorta surgical repair involves placing clamps above and below the aneurysm to stop the blood flow to that part of the artery. Whether or not the surgery will involve the use of a heart-lung machine (cardio-pulmonary bypass) depends on the location of the aneurysm. If the aortic arch is involved, the surgeon may use a specialized technique known as circulatory arrest — a period without blood circulation while the patient is on life support. The surgeon replaces the weakened wall with a fabric tube called a graft. The surgeon may also use a prosthesis device.
  
• Graft-Stent Repair – This less-evasive procedure is used to repair thoracic aneurysms and does not require a chest incision. The surgeon inserts a tube where special catheters are introduced through the arteries at the groin. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall.
  
• Endovascular Stent-Graft Repair – This less-invasive procedure is used for abdominal aneurysms. This procedure involves using long, thin tubes called catheters inserted in the patient's groin and guided through the blood vessels using live x-ray pictures. The physician then deploys a stent-graft or prosthesis at the site of the aneurysm which allows the flow of blood without putting pressure on the weakened wall. If this repair is unsuccessful, the surgeon may elect to perform an open repair.

A vascular and/or cardio-thoracic surgeon usually performs this surgery which requires a hospital stay, although the endovascular and graft-stent methods typically involve a shorter stay.

Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic.