Aneurysm surgery is a treatment for aortic aneurysms. An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of the aorta, the largest artery in the body, and it plays a critical role in carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
An aneurysm often doesn’t cause any symptoms until it ruptures (bursts); then the symptoms may include dizziness or light-headedness, rapid heart rate, sudden, severe chest pain, abdominal pain, or back pain. Finding an aortic aneurysm before it ruptures gives you the best chance of recovery.
Large aneurysms at risk of dissecting or rupturing may require surgery such as open aneurysm repair and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). If the aortic aneurysm ruptures, your doctor can recommend open and endovascular surgery; both of them can successfully treat it.
What Is an Aortic Aneurysm?
An aortic aneurysm develops when there’s a weakness in the wall of the aorta.
The aorta is the largest artery in the body that carries blood and oxygen from the heart to other parts of the body. The ascending aorta leads up from the heart, and the descending aorta travels back down into the abdomen (belly). An aneurysm can develop in any artery.
Aortic aneurysms are generally classified according to where they occur:
| Type of aneurysm | Location | Common treatment considerations |
| Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) | Aorta in the abdomen | Monitoring, EVAR or open repair |
| Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) | Aorta in the chest | Monitoring, open surgery or selected endovascular procedures |
| Ascending aortic aneurysm | Aorta close to the heart | May require complex cardiac surgery |
| Thoracoabdominal aneurysm | Extends through chest and abdomen | Often requires highly specialized vascular or cardiovascular surgery |
Symptoms of an Aortic Aneurysm
An aneurysm often does not cause any symptoms until it ruptures (bursts).
Symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Rapid heart rate.
- Sudden, severe chest pain, abdominal pain, or back pain.
Symptoms of a growing aortic aneurysm
- Trouble breathing.
- Shortness of breath.
- Feeling full even after a small meal.
- Pain wherever the aneurysm is growing (could be in your neck,
- back, chest, or abdomen).
- Painful or difficult swallowing.
- Swelling of your arms, neck, or face.
Warning symptoms can include
- Sudden, severe chest, back, or abdominal pain
- Sudden sharp or tearing pain
- Dizziness or fainting
- Cold, clammy, or sweaty skin
- Rapid heartbeat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Severe weakness or shortness of breath
What is Aortic Aneurysm Surgery
Aortic aneurysm surgery is a procedure to repair a swollen aorta, reducing the risk of rupture (breaking). If the aortic aneurysm has already ruptured, doctors recommend emergency surgery to fix it.
When Surgery for Aortic Aneurysm is Recommended
Surgery may be considered when an aneurysm:
- Becomes large enough to have a significant risk of rupture
- Grows rapidly
- Causes symptoms
- Has ruptured or dissected
- Has features that make rupture more likely
- Occurs in someone with certain inherited conditions that increase aortic risk
Aneurysm treatment is not based on size alone; it depends on other factors too, such as:
- location,
- shape,
- growth rate,
- symptoms and the patient’s overall health.
Treatment may include regular monitoring, lifestyle modification, medicines, open surgical repair, or minimally invasive endovascular repair.
Main Types of Aortic Aneurysm Surgery
There are 2 broad approaches: open surgical repair and endovascular repair.
| Feature | Open surgical repair | Endovascular repair |
| Approach | Large surgical incision | Small access points, usually through the groin |
| Main device | Synthetic graft | Stent graft |
| Invasiveness | Major surgery | Less invasive |
| Recovery | Usually longer | Usually shorter |
| Suitability | Depends on location and patient health | Depends strongly on aneurysm anatomy |
| Long-term monitoring | Follow-up required | Lifelong imaging is often required after EVAR (Endovascular aneurysm repair) |
Risks of Aortic Aneurysm Surgery
Complications of both types of aortic aneurysm repair can occur, and they may be life-threatening.
These include:
- Bleeding and blood loss
- Blood clots
- Infection of the incision or the graft
- Stroke
- Lung complications
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Damage to blood vessels or other organs
- Graft infection
- Endoleak after EVAR. An endoleak is the leaking of blood outside a stent graft and within an aneurysm sac.
- Heart problems such as heart attack or arrhythmia
- Kidney damage
- Spinal cord injury, which may cause paralysis
Conclusion
Not every aortic aneurysm needs immediate surgery.
If an aneurysm is small and stable, your doctor may recommend surveillance using periodic ultrasound, CT, or other imaging depending on the aneurysm’s location.
Aneurysm management may also include:
- Controlling high blood pressure
- Managing cholesterol
- Stopping smoking
- Following a heart-healthy diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Taking prescribed medicines
- Participating in appropriate physical activity
- Attending scheduled imaging appointments
If surgery is recommended, preparation begins weeks in advance. Your doctor will give you a physical examination and run some tests to make sure it’s safe to perform surgery. Follow your qualified vascular or cardiovascular specialist’s advice for the long-term health benefits.
Looking for the best heart hospital near me in Mumbai, India, for aortic aneurysm surgery?
Connect with the expert team at Asian Heart Institute for specialised heart care and minimally invasive cardiac surgical expertise.
Helpdesk: +91 22-66986666
OPD: +91 22-66986536 / 6675
Email: info@ahirc.com
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes. For the right information about aortic aneurysm surgery, contact your heart doctor.
