AORT Surgery: Aneurysms and Surgeries

Aortic surgery is surgery performed for disorders and dysfunctions of the aorta, which originates from the heart and carries blood to the whole body. These surgeries are most commonly performed in cases of aortic aneurysms (enlargement and ballooning of the aortic vessel). Some other important conditions that require surgery are aortic coarctation (narrowing of the aortic vessel) and aortic dissection (rupture of the aortic vessel). In cases of aortic vessel problems, the diseased part of the aortic vessel is removed through surgical procedures and artificial vessels are placed in its place.

What is the Aorta?

The aorta is the body’s largest major artery. This vessel, also called the aorta in medicine, is an artery network that originates from the heart and resembles the branches of a tree. The aorta allows clean blood from the heart to be distributed throughout the body and is approximately 3-3.5 cm in diameter. This diameter ratio decreases as you move towards the abdominal region. Especially the heart, through the aorta; Clean blood is pumped to the head, trunk, arms, legs and entire body. Inside the aorta is oxygen-rich blood from the lungs. Thus, oxygen-rich blood reaches the cells and enables the tissues and organs in the body to perform their functions. The aorta has different names depending on the region where it is located. The part in the rib cage is called the thoracic aorta, and the parts below the body in the abdominal cavity are called the abdominal aorta. 

Aortic aneurysm is an abnormal ballooning of the walls of the arteries. The cause of aneurysms may depend on many factors and may vary from person to person. Aortic aneurysm often occurs as a result of genetic predispositions. Another cause of aneurysm is the condition known as atherosclerosis. Excessive smoking is another factor that causes aortic aneurysm. The ballooning that causes aneurysm is called by different names depending on where it occurs. These aneurysms are located in the chest cavity; Those in the abdominal cavity are called abdominal aortic aneurysms. Aortic aneurysms may not cause any obvious symptoms unless the aortic artery ruptures. Sometimes it is detected incidentally during routine check-ups or examinations performed due to other complaints. Some common symptoms of aortic aneurysm are:
  • blood pressure elevation
  • Increased cholesterol values
  • Pain and tenderness in the chest
  • Back, neck and jaw pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Cough and hoarseness
  • difficulty swallowing

Functions of the Aorta

The most basic function of the aorta is that it is the main artery responsible for taking the blood necessary for life from the heart and distributing it throughout the body. The aorta has a very flexible, durable and strong structure and functions smoothly for many years in a healthy person. The flexible structure of the aorta allows it to withstand high levels of pressure in the blood. Even if it has to pump blood at high pressure in the event of a trauma or accident, it can expand like a plastic balloon and regain its previous shape. There are some points that need to be taken into consideration in order to keep the aorta healthy and for the vessel to perform its functions correctly. Some suggestions that will reduce the risk of aortic vascular diseases and protect the general health of the aorta are as follows:

  • Eating Healthy: Cholesterol is found naturally in the body; However, its elevation may cause narrowing and blockage of the heart vessels. Nutrition program to keep cholesterol and other blood parameters under control and to protect general heart health ; It may be beneficial to add whole grains, legumes, fibrous foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, and various sources of omega-3.
  • Quit Smoking: People who smoke are more likely to have aortic aneurysms than people who have never smoked. For this reason , quitting smoking can reduce the risk of aortic and other heart diseases.
  • Keeping Blood Pressure Under Control: A study reported that high blood pressure increases the risk of aortic aneurysms at a high rate. Therefore, it is important to keep high blood pressure under control. For this reason, in addition to the medications used with the doctor’s recommendation, limiting salt and alcohol consumption, exercising regularly and reducing stress can also help control blood pressure.
  • Not Lifting Heavy: Heavy lifting can put pressure on the aortic vessels. For this reason, heavy lifting that puts pressure on the veins should be avoided.
  • Maintaining Weight Control: Excess weight can damage the vascular structure and cause blood pressure problems. In this case, the risk of aneurysms may increase. For this reason, weight control and regular exercise may be beneficial in reducing this risk.

Aortic Surgery

Aortic surgery covers surgical interventions performed in cases where the aortic vessel expands and balloons. The main goal of this surgical method is; It is the replacement of the diseased vein with an artificial vein. With this method, the patient is ensured to continue his vital functions. Aortic surgeries; These are generally difficult, long-lasting and complicated surgeries. However, with the development of technology in recent years, the ballooned vein is repaired by entering it from the groin or another vein with a method called endovascular stent. The chance of success of the surgery performed with this method increases and possible surgical risks may be reduced. Thanks to aortic surgeries, patients are protected from rupture of the aortic vessels and the risk of death. 

There are some negative factors that cause the aorta to become diseased and require aortic surgery. Due to these factors, the aortic wall weakens and some aneurysms occur. In this case, the aortic vessel may become unable to function and pose a life-threatening risk to people. Some conditions that disrupt the function of the aorta are as follows: 

  • Genetic Predispositions: Aortic vascular diseases due to genetic predispositions may begin to occur at a young age in people whose family members have aortic diseases.
  • Heart Diseases: Aortic aneurysms and other aortic vascular diseases may be more common in people with existing heart disease . The most common cause of these diseases is atherosclerosis, also known as arteriosclerosis.
  • Infections: Some infections can disrupt the function of the aortic vessels and damage the artery walls. These infections often include syphilis and salmonella infections.
  • Some Hereditary Diseases: Some congenital hereditary diseases can lead to aortic vascular diseases. These hereditary diseases; Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, Turner syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can be given as examples.
  • Advanced Age: Diseases in the aortic vessel can mostly develop at older ages, such as 60-70 years of age.

Diseases Treated in Aortic Surgery

Although the aorta is strong and durable by nature, it becomes weak and diseased in some genetic conditions. Aortic vascular diseases are named differently depending on their location and may cause different symptoms. The diseases treated in aortic surgery are as follows:

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

Thoracic aortic aneurysm is an aneurysm that occurs in the chest cavity. This condition may be caused by genetic connective tissue disorders or as a result of high blood pressure and sudden trauma. Some symptoms of thoracic aortic aneurysm are as follows:

  • Sharp pain in the chest and upper back
  • difficulty breathing
  • difficulty swallowing
  • Dizziness or fainting
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs in the abdominal cavity under the chest. It is mostly seen in male patients over the age of 65. Atherosclerosis disease may also cause this condition. However, it may also develop as a result of sudden injuries or some infections. Although the symptoms are not clearly noticeable, they are usually as follows:

  • Pain in the back and sides of the body
  • Pain in hip and groin
  • pain in legs
Aortic Dissection

This condition, also called aortic rupture , is manifested by blood leaking between the layers of the aortic vessel. The clearest symptom of this condition is a chest pain that resembles a heart attack and feels like stabbing. The pain begins under the breastbone and can then spread to the back, shoulder blades, neck and arms. Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition that requires urgent intervention. 

Treatment Methods in Aortic Surgery

The main treatment method used in the field of aortic surgery is surgery. However, in some cases, doctors may also prescribe medication before surgery. Drug treatments are mostly used for patients with small aneurysms. Aortic vascular surgeries are generally open surgery and endovascular repair. The procedures of these methods are as follows:

  • Open Surgery: Open surgery is the most effective method to treat aortic aneurysms. The surgeon performing the operation removes the dysfunctional aortic vessel and replaces it with an artificial vessel (artificial graft). Aortic artery surgery is performed under general anesthesia and the operation can last between 2 and 6 hours. After the surgery, the patient can stay in the hospital for approximately 1 week and is then discharged. It may take an average of 1 month for the patient to return to his normal life. After the surgery, the doctor may start some drug treatments. These are usually blood thinners and diuretics. During the recovery period, chest pain and difficulty breathing may occur. However, all symptoms often disappear 1-3 months after the operation, unless complications develop.
  • Endovascular Repair: Endovascular repair is a supportive treatment for the weakened aortic vessel. The surgeon places the prosthesis, called a stent graft, into the aortic vein with a very thin tube or catheter . This process helps the aorta to function; However, it is not applicable in every aneurysm. Endovascular repair can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia , depending on the patient’s condition . Patients usually stay in the hospital for 1-2 days. Complete recovery may take 4-6 weeks.

If you have a genetic predisposition to cardiovascular diseases or are experiencing some symptoms, you can contact a healthcare provider and have the necessary medical evaluations.

Abbas Jahangir

I am a researcher and writer with a background in food and nutritional science. I am the founder of Foodstrend.com, our reputable online platform offering scientifically-backed articles on health, food, nutrition, kitchen tips, recipes, diet, and fitness. With a commitment to providing accurate and reliable information, we strive to empower our readers to make informed decisions about their health and lifestyle choices. Join us on Foodstrend.com's journey toward a healthier and happier lifestyle.

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