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Originating from the heart, the aorta is the largest artery that enables blood distribution throughout the body. An enlargement up to a point doubling the normal diameter of the aorta, which may occur due to various reasons (congenital, high blood pressure, structural defects, atherosclerosis etc.), is called aortic aneurysm. one of the treatment methods of this disease is the aortic aneurysm surgery.

When the aortic aneurysm is in the thorax it is called thoracic aortic aneurysm. The term thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm is used to refer to the aneurysms that expand to both areas.

Since it does not lead to any complaints, the diagnosis of the aortic aneurysm is usually made in check-up examinations. With certain exceptions, the aneurysm needs to be treated if the diameter of the aneurysm is above 5.5 cm.

With recent technical developments, aneurysm operations can be performed both with classical methods and endovascular (catheter) technique. In certain patients, surgery can be performed with lower risk, through integrating both methods.

In cases where the aortic aneurysm operation is needed, the surgery technique is determined according to the location and width of the aneurysm and the functionality of the aortic valve. Centers with surgical experience especially on aortic aneurysm can decide which treatment method would be the most efficient and best for the short- and long-term. There are several surgical treatment methods including: supra-coronary graft placement, Bentall procedure, aortic-valve-preserving aneurysm repair, correction of the aortic arch, correction of the thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair etc.

In the treatment of the aortic aneurysm, it is very important to prefer a surgeon who can perform both the classical method and the closed (endovascular) surgery.

With certain exceptions, aortic aneurysm patients, with a diameter less than 5.5 cm, are treated with medication. Both the patients and the physicians have to attach great importance on this matter. A rupture of the aortic aneurysm may have mortal consequences. Follow-up examinations must be made regularly to see whether the aneurysm is expanding and if so at what pace. Depending on the location of the aneurysm, echocardiography, tomography or ultrasonography can be made in the follow-ups.

Prof. Dr. Mustafa Güden was born in 1965 in Kayseri, Turkey. After having graduated from Kadikoy Anadolu High, he attended Istanbul University, Capa, Faculty of Medicine. Following his graduation in 1989, Mustafa Guden received his degree as a Cardiovascular Surgeon at Istanbul University, Cardiology Institute. He served at Sisli Florence Nightingale Hospital for 10 years. . read more

Patient Care at Home Following an Open-Heart Surgery

After the discharge your doctor will prescribe oral medication. The prescription may include any or some of the medication listed below, depending on their need for the continued treatment.

  • Blood-thinner: Aspirin, Warfarin (Coumadin etc.). Blood-thinners help decrease the embolism risk.
  • Cardiac medication: These agents will strengthen your heart and regulate the pace.
  • Stool softeners: These medications eliminate constipation by facilitating the normalization of bowel movements.
  • Diuretics: Enabling you discharge more liquids, diuretics eliminate edema and excessive liquid accumulation. read more