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Thoracic Aneurysm Repair and Surgery of the Great Vessels
Surgery of the great vessels is most often for an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. This procedure can include aortic repairs of the ascending arch, ascending and descending sections, and occasionally it includes both aortic valve replacement and Coronary Artery Bypass surgery.

Heritage Valley Health System recommends surgery for patients with aneurysms of the ascending aorta or aortic arch if the diameter of the aorta measures greater than 5-6 cm. Our surgeons then replace the aorta with a fabric substitute. For patients with aneurysms of the descending thoracic aorta, a fabric substitute insertion can be done, or the aorta can be stented.

Stenting is a procedure where a tube is placed inside the vessel. This is a minimally invasive procedure involiving specialized catheters that are introduced through arteries at the groin.