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Emergent Aortic Dissection Repair

Aortic dissection is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. The surgeons at UPMC are at the forefront of advanced and life-saving surgical techniques for emergent aortic dissection repair.



What Is Emergency Aortic Dissection Repair?

The aorta is your body’s main artery. Aortic dissection occurs when a tear in the inner wall of the aorta causes blood to flow between the layers of the wall of the aorta, forcing the layers apart. Aortic dissection is a medical emergency.

What is emergency surgery for aortic dissection?

During your emergency aortic dissection repair, your surgeon will remove the largest possible area of the dissected aorta, block the entry of blood into your aortic wall, and replace your aorta with a synthetic graft.

Types of Emergent Aortic Dissection Repair

Traditional open-heart repair

Your vascular surgeon will open your chest or abdomen where your aortic dissection is located. Your surgeon will repair your aorta through the incision using a synthetic graft.

Endovascular repair

Your surgeon will repair your aorta using a graft attached to a small tube called a catheter. The catheter is inserted into a small incision in your leg and guided to the damaged area of your aorta.

Why Would I Need Emergent Aortic Dissection Repair?

An aortic dissection is a life-threatening emergency that may require emergent aortic dissection repair. If you experience symptoms of an aortic dissection, dial 911 or visit your nearest hospital emergency room.

Symptoms of aortic dissection may include:

  • A feeling of tearing in the abdomen or chest.
  • Loss of consciousness.
  • Nausea.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Sweating.
  • Weakness.

What Are the Risks and Complications of Emergent Aortic Dissection Repair?

Like any medical procedure, emergent aortic dissection repair can have risks, including:

  • Bleeding.
  • Blood clots.
  • Heart attack.
  • Kidney failure.
  • Lung infections.
  • Stroke.

What Should I Expect From Emergent Aortic Dissection Repair?

The surgeons at UPMC use the latest life-saving techniques and technology to diagnose and treat aortic dissection, including:

  • Diagnostic tests — Your doctor may order diagnostic tests to determine if you have an aortic dissection. Diagnostic tests may include:
    • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, which uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create images of your heart.
    • Computerized tomography (CT) scan, which creates images of your heart.
    • Echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to create images of your heart and blood vessels.
  • Surgery — Depending on the location of the aortic dissection, you may require surgery to repair your aorta. If you require surgery, we use the latest techniques to provide you with the emergency treatment you need.

Before: How to prepare for emergent aortic dissection repair surgery

Many aortic dissection repair procedures are performed in emergency situations. Your doctor will explain the emergent aortic dissection repair procedure to you and give you a chance to ask questions. To prepare for the procedure, you should:
  • Tell your doctor if you are sensitive or allergic to any medications, iodine, latex, tape, or anesthetic agents (local and general).
  • Tell your doctor about all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and herbal or other supplements you are taking.
  • Tell your doctor if you have heart valve disease, as you may need to receive an antibiotic before the procedure. 
  • Tell your doctor if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any blood-thinning medications, aspirin, or other medications that affect blood clotting. It may be necessary to stop some of the medications prior to the procedure.
  • Fast for a certain period of time prior to the procedure. Your doctor will tell you how long to fast (usually overnight).
  • Have any tests that your doctor recommends. For example, your doctor may request a blood test prior to the procedure to determine how long it takes your blood to clot.

On the day of your procedure, be sure to bring your photo ID and health insurance card(s). Leave valuables such as cash and jewelry at home.

You will need to stay in the hospital for several days after your procedure. You should bring toiletries, a robe, slippers, a cell phone and charger, medications, and a change of clothes. You should also arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital after you are discharged.

How long does emergent aortic dissection repair take?

Your emergent aortic dissection repair procedure could take several hours, depending on your condition.

During your emergent aortic dissection repair

During your emergent aortic dissection repair, your surgeon will remove the largest possible area of dissected aorta, block the entry of blood into your aortic wall, and replace your aorta with a synthetic graft.

How do you repair an acute aortic dissection?

If you are having a traditional open repair, your surgeon will perform the repair through an incision near your aortic dissection. If you are having an endovascular repair, your surgeon will make a small incision in your groin and perform the repair with a graft on the tip of a special catheter.

Recovery after emergent aortic dissection repair

If you have surgery, you will be moved to recovery and then admitted to the hospital. The length of your hospital stay will vary depending on your specific situation.

Your doctor will let you know when you can return to work or resume other everyday activities. You should be sure to follow your doctor's instructions after your procedure and attend all follow-up appointments. Your doctor may prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure and schedule you for follow-up CT scans or MRIs to check on your condition.

When to call your doctor about emergent aortic dissection repair complications

You should call your doctor if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms, including:

  • A fever of more than 100.0°F.
  • Chest pain.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Fainting.
  • Pain, redness, bleeding, drainage, or increased swelling at the incision site..
  • Severe pain, coldness, numbness, or discoloration in the limb where the catheter was inserted.

If any of these symptoms are severe or if you experience loss of consciousness, you should dial 911 immediately.

What’s the prognosis after emergent aortic dissection repair?

After emergent aortic dissection repair, many patients can live full, active lives with routine follow-up care. You may need to avoid strenuous activity and take medication to reduce the risk of another aortic injury.

What’s the success rate of emergent aortic dissection repair?

Because aortic dissection is a potentially life-threatening condition, getting fast treatment increases your chances of survival.

What is the survival rate for aortic dissection repair?

Without surgical treatment, aortic dissection has a high mortality rate. Even with surgical treatment, mortality rates range from 9-30 percent.

Why Choose UPMC for Emergent Aortic Dissection Repair?

The surgeons at UPMC are at the forefront of advanced and life-saving surgical techniques for emergent aortic dissection repair. We provide personalized care tailored to your condition, using minimally invasive techniques whenever possible. 


Last reviewed by a UPMC medical professional on 2024-10-01.