Like any major cardiac and vascular procedure, thoracic aortic aneurysm repair carries certain risks and possible complications. The type and extent of risk may vary depending on whether the patient undergoes open surgery or TEVAR (Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair).

However, despite these risks, timely repair is often lifesaving and significantly reduces the risk of aneurysm rupture.

Possible complications may include:

Bleeding: Some bleeding during and after the procedure is expected. In open surgery, the risk may be slightly higher. In some cases, blood transfusion or additional treatment may be required.
Infection: There may be a risk of infection at the surgical wound site, groin puncture site (in TEVAR), or rarely deeper within the repaired area.
Stroke: A small number of patients may develop a stroke due to clot formation or blood flow changes during the procedure.
Endoleak after TEVAR: In some TEVAR cases, blood may continue to leak around the stent graft into the aneurysm sac. This is called an endoleak and may need additional treatment.
Kidney complications: The contrast dye used during scans and the procedure may temporarily affect kidney function, especially in elderly patients or those with existing kidney disease.
Lung-related complications: Patients undergoing open chest surgery may experience temporary breathing difficulty or lung infection during recovery.
Graft-related issues: Rarely, the graft may develop concerns such as movement, leakage, narrowing, or long-term wear.

Regular follow-up scans are extremely important to monitor the graft and ensure long-term success. Despite these risks, timely repair remains one of the most effective ways to prevent life-threatening rupture and severe internal bleeding.

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Repair: Risks & Recovery Guide