Offering Emergency Aortic Aneurysm Repair in Arizona
An aortic aneurysm repair is a form of emergency surgery to fix a ruptured aorta or to prevent it from rupturing. The aorta is a major artery that transports blood from the heart to all parts of the body. An aortic aneurysm is a dangerous bulge in the wall of this artery. While this can occur anywhere along the aorta, aortic aneurysms typically develop in the area that is closest to the heart and the section lower in the abdomen.
At Dignity Health, our surgeons offer exceptional care for aortic aneurysm repair in Arizona, as part of our cardiology services. To learn more about this procedure, Find a Doctor at Dignity Health.
Reasons for Aortic Aneurysm Repair
At Dignity Health, our surgeons offer aortic aneurysm repair as a treatment for ruptured aortas and to prevent ruptures from happening. A ruptured or damaged aorta is a medical emergency, requiring immediate surgery to stop the bleeding and repair the damaged artery. In some cases, doctors may find the aneurysm before it ruptures. In these instances, a stent can be placed inside the artery to prevent rupture.
What to Expect From Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Since a ruptured aorta is a medical emergency, surgery will take place in a hospital. No matter where the rupture has happened, open surgery may be needed. In some cases, doctors will remove the damaged part of the artery and replace it with an artificial implant. This procedure will require staying in the hospital for several days.
If the artery has bulged but not ruptured, doctors can perform a procedure called endovascular stent grafting to reduce the chance of a rupture. This minimally invasive surgery requires making a small incision in an artery in the groin. You may need to spend several days in the hospital.
Dignity Health’s Chandler Regional Medical Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center are nationally recognized leaders in heart and vascular care, offering a full range of minimally invasive treatments.
Recovery & Prevention of Aortic Aneurysms
With open surgery, your recovery period may take weeks or months, depending on your age and overall health. Your doctor may prescribe cardiac rehabilitation to help with your recovery, along with physical therapy, nutritional counseling, and other services.
If your procedure required the placement of a heart stent, your recovery time may be a bit shorter. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on when it will be safe to return to normal activities. While the new stent is stabilizing in the artery, there is the possibility of side effects, such as fever. Be sure to tell your doctor about any symptoms you might experience.
An aortic aneurysm repair can be a lifesaving treatment, or a way to prevent a future rupture from happening. If you are a man over the age of 65 and have smoked, talk with your doctor about screenings for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. This preventive measure could change your life.
In collaboration with our cardiology services, Dignity Health offers lifesaving, emergency aortic aneurysm repair in Arizona.