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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Like any medical procedure, emergent aortic dissection repair can have risks, including:
The surgeons at UPMC use the latest life-saving techniques and technology to diagnose and treat aortic dissection, including:
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.
Your emergent aortic dissection repair procedure could take several hours, depending on your condition.
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.
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.
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.
You should call your doctor if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms, including:
If any of these symptoms are severe or if you experience loss of consciousness, you should dial 911 immediately.
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.
Because aortic dissection is a potentially life-threatening condition, getting fast treatment increases your chances of survival.
Without surgical treatment, aortic dissection has a high mortality rate. Even with surgical treatment, mortality rates range from 9-30 percent.
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.
By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2024-10-01.
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