When is surgery done to repair an aortic aneurysm?

Aortic aneurysms are swollen areas of the aorta, which is the large artery that carries blood from the heart to the body. Aortic aneurysms can be dangerous because they can rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding.

Surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm is usually done when the aneurysm is large or growing rapidly. The surgery may be done through the abdomen, the chest, or the back, depending on the location of the aneurysm.

During surgery, the surgeon will remove the aneurysm and replace it with a synthetic graft. The graft will help to strengthen the aorta and prevent it from rupturing.

Surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm is a complex procedure, but it is usually successful. The vast majority of patients who undergo this surgery survive and live normal lives.