Aortic Aneurysm Surgery
An aortic aneurysm is a bulging or weakening of the wall of the aorta, the major artery leaving the heart and the largest artery in the body. A rupture or tear (aortic dissection) of the aorta can be life-threatening, so proper and timely care can be essential. The cardiac surgeons at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens are here to create a care plan for you based on the size of your aneurysm, your symptoms, and your general health.
Monitoring Your Aortic Aneurysm
Not everyone with an aortic aneurysm needs surgery right away. At NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, we evaluate you carefully and provide a full and honest assessment of your surgical needs. We ensure the optimal timing of your surgery in order to enhance its success and avoid operating too soon. If surgery is not yet necessary, we will continue to monitor your aneurysm with periodic imaging. If you do require aneurysm surgery, you may undergo a traditional "open surgery" or a minimally invasive approach depending on your preferences and needs.
How are Aortic Aneurysms Repaired?
Our cardiac surgeons repair aortic dissections and aneurysms of the ascending aorta, which is the part of the aorta that stems from the heart and rises in the front of the chest. This is a common area for aneurysms to occur. Surgeons will replace the damaged part of the aorta with a fabric graft. Some patients are best treated with a “hybrid” procedure, which combines open surgical and endovascular techniques.
Minimally Invasive Aortic Aneurysm Surgery
Some people with aneurysms in certain locations, and those who may be too ill to have conventional open surgery, undergo minimally invasive thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). The doctor threads a catheter into the aorta through an artery in the groin, and guides a stent graft through the catheter, placing it at the site of the aneurysm. The stent graft covers the diseased part of the aorta to repair the aortic wall and prevent rupture of the aneurysm. Compared to traditional surgery, endovascular surgery uses a tiny incision and is generally less painful with a lower risk of complications and a faster recovery.
Why Choose Us
New York-Presbyterian Queens is the only hospital in the borough offering surgery for aortic aneurysms. Our world-class heart surgeons are experts in the latest cardiac procedures and are committed to caring for the diverse and culturally rich Queens community. They are joined by a multidisciplinary team of experts, including cardiologists, cardiothoracic anesthesiologists, perfusionists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses, who are here to support you through every stage of your treatment and recovery.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our highly-skilled and compassionate heart surgeons.