What is a thoracic aneurysm?

A thoracic aneurysm is an abnormal bulging of the aorta in the chest. The aorta is the main blood vessel carrying blood out of the heart, sending branches to head and neck and arms before arching over and down the body to supply the internal organs and lower limbs. 

Types of thoracic aneurysm

Thoracic aneurysms are classified depending on whether they arise in the ascending or descending thoracic aorta, and on which aortic branches are involved. 

• Ascending aortic aneurysms involve the aortic valve which controls the flow of blood leaving the heart. 

• Aortic arch aneurysms 

• Descending thoracic aneurysms or thoracoabdominal aneurysms.

Treatment of thoracic aneurysms

Open surgery for thoracic aneurysms is a major undertaking and carries a high risk of complications. the diseased segment of aorta is repaired by placing a new lining inside the artery under X-ray control. This is called stent-grafting, or thoracic endografting.

Thoracic aneurysms that involve a segment of aorta away from major branches are relatively straightforward to treat with a stent-graft. A bypass is performed from one artery to another in preparation for the deployment of a longer stent-graft which deliberately blocks off the diseased blood vessels that have been affected by the aneurysm.