Narayana Health Care

What is Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm?

A thoracic aortic aneurysm is an abnormal bulge on a weakened wall of the aorta – the main artery that carries blood from the heart to different parts of the body. It can result in a variety of symptoms and often life-threatening complications. It’s critical to diagnose and treat thoracic aortic aneurysms in a timely manner.

What are the treatment options?

The standard surgical treatment for the condition is Open-chest aneurysm repair. But now many thoracic and thoracoabdominal (occurring in the lower part of the thoracic aorta and the upper part of the abdominal aorta) aneurysms are treated with a minimally invasive procedure called “Endovascular stent-graft”.

What is Endovascular stent graft?

The term ‘Endovascular’ indicates that the surgery is performed inside the aorta using thin, long tubes called Catheters. Through small incisions made in the groin, catheters are used to guide and deliver a stent-graft through the blood vessels to the site of the aneurysm.

What are the criteria to zero upon Endovascular stent-graft?

If a patient has a thoracic aneurysm which measures 5 centimeters or more, the doctors will suggest Endovascular stent-graft.

Doctors determine the best treatment by performing one or a combination of imaging studies which may include:

• High resolution, computed tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Angiography (an x-ray of the blood vessels)
• Transoesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) – To record ultrasound images of the heart from inside the oesophagus
• Intravascular ultrasound

What happens once the Endovascular stent grafting is done?

Once the stent-graft is in place, the blood flows through the graft, avoiding the aneurysm. Over time, the aneurysm typically shrinks due to the blood pressure being diverted away from it.

What are the benefits of Endovascular repair?

Endovascular repair of thoracic aneurysms benefits a patient in the following ways:

1. Comparing with traditional open-chest surgery, it’s less painful and has a lower risk of complications. Thanks to smaller incisions.
2. After undergoing Endovascular repair of thoracic aneurysms, a patient can leave the hospital sooner. They also recover more quickly.

Remember, timely intervention is critical for patients suffering from a thoracic aneurysm. Whether the symptoms are simple or complicated, the most important thing is to see the doctor without time-lapse.

At SDM Narayana Heart Centre, Dharwad, our team of committed and dedicated healthcare professionals are backed by advanced technology in healthcare. Naturally, we are equipped to handle all kinds of heart-related health problems.

Dr. Chaudappa Shakapur, Consultant Cardiologist, SDM Narayana Heart Centre, Dharwad