Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms
What Is a Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm?
Thoracic aortic aneurysms are bulges in the part of the aorta in your chest. At NewYork-Presbyterian, our aortic aneurysm experts are highly experienced in both endovascular and surgical approaches to the repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms.
Endovascular Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Our heart and vascular surgeons are experts in endovascular stent grafting to treat thoracic aortic aneurysms using an approach called thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR). A stent graft is advanced to the aneurysm site through a catheter inserted into the blood vessel in the groin.
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Surgery
When surgery is the best approach for the repair of a thoracic aortic aneurysm, we offer:
- Valve Sparing Aortic Root Replacement (David Procedure). We have had excellent success repairing ascending aortic aneurysms — the most common type of aortic aneurysms — without having to replace the aortic valve. With the David procedure, we can now fix an aneurysm and often save and reconstruct your natural aortic valve, so it works correctly and is durable. The procedure decreases the need for blood thinners after surgery and reduces the need for repeat valve replacement.
- Bentall Aortic Root Replacement. This surgery involves replacement of the entire aortic root and aortic valve with a combination of a prosthetic valve and an attached tube graft. Our surgeons were among the first to use a biological (tissue) valve for this procedure. It is an option for patients whose aortic valve cannot be repaired as well as those with complex medical histories such as multiple prior aortic surgeries or endocarditis.
- Hybrid Aortic Aneurysm Surgery. Our surgeons developed a new procedure to rebuild the arch of the aorta, a less invasive means of replacing the entire thoracic aorta. Instead of two separate major operations, the entire rebuilding is accomplished with a combination of open-heart surgery and hybrid stent grafting that can be completed during a single hospital stay.
- The Ross Procedure. This operation is an excellent option for young, low-risk patients with aortic stenosis or other aortic valve diseases. The diseased aortic valve is removed and the patient’s own pulmonary valve is substituted in its place. NewYork-Presbyterian is one of the few institutions in the world specializing in this complex operation.