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Can I have some sort of stent instead of regular surgery to fix my aortic aneurysm?

Aortic Aneurysm, Marfan Syndrome- Thoracic Aortic Center FAQ
In certain circumstances, and for certain aneurysms that do not involve the ascending aorta, there is a new technique known as stent graft repair. It is the equivalent of a minimally invasive approach for aneurysm repair. Such stent-graft procedures can only be performed at select medical centers by physicians specifically trained in this field.
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What is an AORTIC ANEURYSM?

Aneurysm Outreach a non profit organization
The aorta is the largest artery in the body. It starts at the heart and passes through the chest to the abdomen. Aortic aneurysms can develop anywhere along the aorta. Once an aneurysm has started to develop, it slowly expands in diameter over a period of several years. As an aneurysm grows larger, the wall of the artery thins. When the strength of the aneurysm wall becomes too weak the wall can break, resulting in a ruptured aneurysm.
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Aortic Aneurysm, SVCMC; New York NY
aortic aneurysm (say “a-OR-tik AN-yuh-rih-zum”) is a bulge in a section of the aorta , the body’s main artery. The aorta carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Because the section with the aneurysm is overstretched, it can burst. If the aorta bursts, it can cause serious bleeding that can quickly lead to death. Aneurysms can form in any section of the aorta, but they are most common in the belly area (abdominal aortic aneurysm ).
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What will my doctor do if my thoracic aortic aneurysm is not large enough to require surgery?

Aortic Aneurysm, Marfan Syndrome- Thoracic Aortic Center FAQ
When an aneurysm is not large enough that you need surgery, your doctor will treat you with medications to control your blood pressure and heart rate, in order to reduce the force of your blood against the wall of the aorta. The size of your aorta will be followed closely with repeated CT scan, MRI scans, or echocardiograms (ultrasound examination of the heart), to monitor for any growth. If the aneurysm grows large enough in size, surgery may then be recommend (see above).
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I have an aortic aneurysm and was wondering what the options were for treatment?

Questions and Answers about common vascular problems - Endov...
There are several options for treatment of aortic aneurysms. Here again, understanding the risks and benefits of the different forms of treatment options are critical. For the remainder of the discussion we will consider aneurysms limited only to the abdomen in the most common configurations, and descending, ascending, and thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms will not be included.
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Who is at risk for an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?

Individuals with the following characteristics are at risk for developing Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms:
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My aneurysm has affected my kidneys. Will the surgery fix my kidneys?

Aortic Aneurysm, Marfan Syndrome- Thoracic Aortic Center FAQ
Frequently patients with complex aneurysms also have blockages in the arteries to the kidneys, and such blockages are typically corrected during the operation to fix the thoracoabdominal or abdominal aneurysm; this may improve overall function of the kidneys in certain cases. Home | About Us | Our Staff | For Patients | For Physicians | Research | Massachusetts General Hospital
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What is a stent?

Cardiology Frequently Asked Questions - Mission Internal Med...
A stent is a tubular mesh of metal (usually stainless steel) that is deployed in the coronary artery after an angioplasty. A stent is mounted on an angioplasty balloon in its collapsed state. The stent/balloon assembly is then advanced into the coronary artery and positioned over the site of the coronary lesion.
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What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)?

Frequently Asked Questions About Problems with Endovascular ...
aortic aneurysm is a bulging or "ballooning" that forms in a weakened area of the aorta, the large artery that exits from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body and to the other major arteries. An abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs in the part of the aorta in the abdomen, usually below the kidneys. Abdominal aortic aneurysms can sometimes leak or rupture, resulting in serious bleeding and possibly death.
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What is a thoracic aortic aneurysm?

Health Information
A thoracic aortic aneurysm, also called TAA, is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of the aorta (the largest artery in the body), resulting in an abnormal widening or ballooning greater than 50 percent of the normal diameter (width). The aorta extends upward from the top of the left ventricle of the heart in the chest area (ascending thoracic aorta), then curves like a candy cane (aortic arch) downward through the chest area (descending thoracic aorta) into the abdomen (abdominal aorta).
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What are the symptoms of a thoracic aortic aneurysm?

Health Information
Thoracic aortic aneurysms may be asymptomatic (without symptoms) or symptomatic (with symptoms). Symptoms of a thoracic aneurysm may be related to the location, size, and growth rate of the aneurysm. Severe onset of pain associated with a thoracic aneurysm may be a sign of a life-threatening medical emergency.
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How is a thoracic aortic aneurysm diagnosed?

Health Information
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for a thoracic aortic aneurysm may include any, or a combination, of the following: computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body.
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What is an aortic dissection? How is it different from an aneurysm?

Aortic Aneurysm, Marfan Syndrome- Thoracic Aortic Center FAQ
aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition that occurs at a rate of about 3 cases per 100,000 people per year. It involves a tearing away of the innermost lining of the aorta. It is not unlike when you put on an old winter coat, but as you slide your arm into the sleeve your fingers catch a tear in the sleeve’s lining, leading your arm into the space between the inner lining and the outer layer of the coat sleeve.
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What causes an aortic aneurysm?

Aortic Aneurysm, SVCMC; New York NY
The wall of the aorta is normally very elastic. It can stretch and then shrink back as needed to adapt to blood flow. But some medical problems, such as high blood pressure and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), weaken the artery walls. These problems, along with the wear and tear that naturally occurs with aging, can result in a weak aortic wall that bulges outward.
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How is an aortic aneurysm diagnosed?

Aortic Aneurysm, SVCMC; New York NY
Aneurysms are often diagnosed by chance during exams or tests done for other reasons. In some cases, they are found during a screening test for aneurysms. Screening tests help your doctor look for a certain disease or condition before any symptoms appear. Experts recommend screening tests for aneurysms for men between the ages of 65 and 75 who have ever smoked. These men are more likely to have an aneurysm than are women or nonsmoking men.
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What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

Health Information
abdominal aortic aneurysm, also called AAA or triple A, is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of the aorta (the largest artery in the body) resulting in an abnormal widening or ballooning greater than 50 percent of the normal diameter (width).
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Can Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm be prevented?

Unique Imaging Solutions | Stroke Information
No. Unfortunately abdominal aneurysms are also highly hereditary and should be detected before they can rupture.
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My uncle and I both have a thoracic aortic aneurysm. Will others in my family also have an aneurysm?

Aortic Aneurysm, Marfan Syndrome- Thoracic Aortic Center FAQ
Many patients with ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms at younger ages (30s, 40s, 50s) have Marfan syndrome or a bicuspid aortic valve as the cause. However, there are other people who have aneurysms at a young age and it appears to run in their family. A number of such families have been studied and found to have a genetic abnormality that accounts for the aortic aneurysms. This is now called a familial thoracic aortic aneurysm syndrome.
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If I have a stent, surgical clips or aneurysm clip, can I have an MRI?

Select a Medical Service | Radiology
Stents and surgical clips are usually safe in the magnet. Aneurysm clips in the head are sometimes safe, but the type of clip needs to be discussed with the doctor or technician first.
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What causes a thoracic aortic aneurysm to form?

Health Information
Thoracic aortic aneurysms may be caused by different disease processes, especially in respect to their location. Examples of different locations of thoracic aortic aneurysms and their causes may include, but are not limited to, the following: cystic medial degeneration (necrosis) - breaking down of the tissue of the aortic wall. This is the most common cause of this type of thoracic aortic aneurysm.
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What causes an abdominal aortic aneurysm to form?

Health Information
abdominal aortic aneurysm may be caused by multiple factors that result in the breaking down of the well-organized structural components (proteins) of the aortic wall that provide support and stabilize the wall. The exact cause is not fully known.
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Could I have more than one aneurysm?

Frequently Asked Questions
In about 20% of people more than one aneurysm is found at the time of the angiogram. However, the haemorrhage will have only come from one of the aneurysms. The chance of an aneurysm rupturing if it has never bled before, is very small. If you have more than one aneurysm, your neurosurgeon will discuss this with you, and whether further surgery or treatment would be needed for any other aneurysms.
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What is an aneurysm and how is it treated?

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) - Texas Heart Institute Hea...
aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge in a blood vessel that can affect any large vessel in your body. An aneurysm happens when the pressure of blood passing through part of a weak blood vessel forces the vessel to bulge outward, forming what you might think of as a thin-skinned blister. Not all aneurysms are life threatening, but those found in the arteries in our bodies often need to be treated. If the bulging stretches the artery too far, this vessel may burst, causing a person to bleed to death.
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Saint John's Health Center - Frequently Asked Questions
aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge that can occur in blood vessels anywhere in the body. An aneurysm is created when the pressure of blood flowing through a weakened blood vessel forces part of the vessel to bulge outward. They usually form in the brain or the aorta (the main artery of the heart), and are often associated with other types of cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure. Not all aneurysms are life-threatening, and treatment depends on its size and location.
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Questions and Answers about common vascular problems - Endov...
A stent is a device used to hold open the wall of a vessel or to hold something in place in the vascular system usually with or after angioplasty. These devices are usually metal mesh in nature and are either expanded by angioplasty balloons in place or self-expand when deployed.Their deployment may allow an angioplasty technical failure to be retreived and salvaged. However, there is a paucity of data supporting the concept that stents markedly improve long term patency in peripheral vessels.
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What is an aortic dissection?

Saint John's Health Center - Frequently Asked Questions
aortic dissection results when a split occurs in the wall of the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. A dissection allows blood to flow between the inner and outer layers of the aortic vessel, potentially blocking blood flow to vital organs such as the brain. A dissection also places the aortic wall at increased risk for rupture, creating an acute, life-threatening condition that can only be treated by immediate surgery.
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I too old to have aortic valve surgery?

Aortic Valve Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
We have operated successfully on patients in the 80’s and 90’s. Each patient is evaluated individually to determine if they are eligible for the procedure.
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Is there any regular medication you are on after the surgery?

Brotman Continent Ostomy Center :: Frequently Asked Question...
Answer: As long as the incision and stoma area have healed strongly, there is only a slight possibility of a hernia developing (an incisional hernia or a parastomal hernia). As is true with any abdominal stoma, direct trauma to the area should be avoided.
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