Aneurysm Repair Surgery

Surgical aneurysm repair is usually recommended if conservative measures fail to relieve the symptoms of aortic aneurysm or there is a risk of rupture due to the large size of the aneurysm.

During aortic aneurysm surgery, the aneurysm is exposed through dissection of the chest. A heart-lung machine is connected to the patient’s body to maintain blood circulation during the surgery. At the same time clamps are placed on the aorta, above and below the aneurysm, and the damaged portion of the aorta is removed and is replaced with a synthetic tube or graft. Permanent wire sutures are used to join the breast bone or the sternum, which was dissected to approach the aorta. The skin and muscle is closed with dissolving sutures.