Repair of an aortic root aneurysm

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If the aortic root becomes damaged and an aneurysm develops, it may need to be repaired with a graft to avoid rupture. When the aneurysm is repaired, the aortic valve also may need to be replaced.

The doctors at our Complex Aortic Center offer special expertise for complex repair and replacement of valves affected by aortic root aneurysms. Our surgeons can perform valve-sparing surgery, which preserves your existing aortic valve. We often use minimally invasive surgical techniques to treat patients who have been told by other doctors that surgery isn’t an option.

What to expect

You will be asked to not eat or drink before the procedure. Ask your doctor if you should continue taking any current medications. An IV will be inserted in your arm or hand to deliver medications, fluids and sedation.

In the operating room, you will be placed under anesthesia and will remain asleep during the procedure. Your surgeon will make an incision in your chest and separate the breastbone to access your heart. If your surgeon is using a minimally invasive approach, they will make smaller incisions and only partially divide the breastbone. You will be connected to a heart-lung bypass machine that will pump your blood and allow your heart to remain still during the repair.

The portion of the aorta with the aneurysm will be removed, and a graft will be connected to the vessel. If needed, your surgeon may repair or reinforce the valve before connecting the graft. You then will be taken off bypass, and your heart will be restarted. Your breastbone will be reconnected, and the incision will be closed. We will take you to the Intensive Care Unit to be monitored overnight, and you will need to stay in the hospital to recover for several days.

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Conditions

Aortic Root Aneurysm

An aortic root aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of the point of the aorta that exits the heart, which is where the aortic valve is located.

Heart Murmurs

A heart murmur is a swishing sound caused by abnormal blood flow in or around your heart. Often harmless, murmurs can be caused by problems with your heart valves.

Heart Valve Disease

Heart valve disease occurs when at least one of the four heart valves doesn’t work properly, disrupting the normal flow of blood.

Tests

Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive way to diagnose and treat a variety of heart and vascular conditions by guiding thin, flexible tubes called catheters through blood vessels to problem areas.

Chest X-ray

Chest X-rays use a small dose of radiation to create pictures of the structures inside the chest, including the lungs, heart and chest wall.

Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan

The cardiac computed tomography scan, or cardiac CT, uses X-rays to create three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your heart.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG, measures the heart’s electrical activity.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging, better known as cardiac MRI, is a combination of radio waves, magnets and computer technology to create images of your heart and blood vessels.

Stress Tests

Stress tests are used to assess how your heart works during physical activity. There are several types of stress tests, including treadmill or bike stress tests, nuclear stress tests, stress echocardiograms and chemically induced stress tests.