What is ascending aortic aneurysm repair?
An ascending aortic aneurysm is a dilation of the aorta, your body’s largest blood vessel. It develops in the part of the blood vessel close to your heart called the ascending aorta. When the dilation is severe enough that it changes the shape of the aorta, it is called an aneurysm.
Ascending aortic aneurysm repair is an open-heart surgery that replaces the abnormal, weakened part of the aorta with a synthetic graft. By replacing the diseased part of the aorta, your body is protected from complications such as an aneurysm rupture. Sometimes the aneurysm can extend into nearby areas, such as the aortic root or the aortic arch. If that happens, those sections may also need to be replaced or repaired.
At Mass General Brigham Heart and Vascular, our surgeons specialize in many complex aneurysm treatments, including ascending aortic aneurysm repair. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the abnormal part of the aorta and replaces it with a tube made from synthetic material. The tube, called a graft, restores the normal structure of your ascending aorta and helps prevent further dilation and rupture of the aneurysm.