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The aorta is comprised of three layers. In aortic dissection the inner layer is perforated (torn apart). The blood surges through the tear and flows in between the inner and middle layers, through the aorta. The dissection of the layers can impair the blood circulation in the vital organs (heart, brain, kidneys etc.). The aortic dissection surgery is a treatment method for these cases.

The aortic dissections are classified in different ways. The most common classification is:

  • Type 1- The entire aorta is dissected.
  • Type 2- Only the ascending aorta is dissected.
  • Type 3- Only the segment after the subclavian artery is dissected.

Aortic Dissection Surgery

The aortic dissection is fatal. 25% of the patients are lost in the beginning of the dissection, and the mortality rate increases by 1% per hour, unless the patient is operated. In short, the aortic dissection has to be treated urgently. The most important symptom of the aortic dissection is a severe chest pain, often described as a sense of tearing or ripping. This pain may be mistakenly taken for heart attack. In general, the pain is felt around the part, where the dissection occurred, and may extend to back, neck, chin, teeth and arms. Depending on the spreading of the dissection, stroke, blindness, loss of consciousness, loss of warmth in arms or legs, breath shortness and perspiration may be observed. In the aortic dissection surgery, the method to be employed is selected according to the location of the dissection. In the dissections of the ascending aorta, surgery is the only treatment option. In descending aorta dissections, endovascular surgery is also an alternative.

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