Surgical Aneurysm Repair

Aneurysm surgery is a treatment for aortic aneurysms. An aortic aneurysm damages the aorta and leads to life-threatening complications. The main purpose of open surgery is to prevent the rupture or dissection of an aneurysm. You can repair the damage even after such an event has occurred.

A surgeon removes the damaged part of the aorta and replaces it with a synthetic fabric tube. This tube is called a graft. It acts as the new wall of the artery, allowing blood to flow safely through it.

A thoracic or vascular surgeon performs this procedure in a hospital operating room. This procedure is considered major surgery. Your surgeon will need to make a large incision in your chest or abdomen to access the aneurysm. The aneurysm could be in the chest or a little deeper in the abdomen.

Aneurysm surgery is often necessary to prevent serious complications or death. Like any major surgery, it carries risks. However, the benefits usually outweigh the risks.