Aortic Aneurysm & Aortic Surgery - Dr. Saeed Akhtar Chief Cardiac Surgeon

Aortic Aneurysm and Aortic Surgery

Aortic Aneurysm and Aortic Surgery is a critical cardiac and vascular procedure used to treat a weakened or bulging section of the aorta, the body’s main blood vessel. An aortic aneurysm can become life-threatening if it enlarges or ruptures.

The surgery aims to repair or replace the damaged section of the aorta to restore normal blood flow and prevent serious complications such as internal bleeding or sudden rupture.

Types of Aortic Conditions Treated

This surgery is commonly performed for:

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA)
Aortic dissection
Weak or damaged aortic wall
Rupture risk conditions

Symptoms of Aortic Aneurysm

Many cases may not show symptoms, but possible signs include:

Chest or back pain
Pulsating feeling in abdomen
Shortness of breath
Low blood pressure (in severe cases)
Sudden severe pain (in case of rupture)

How Aortic Surgery is Performed

There are two main approaches:

1. Open Aortic Surgery

The damaged section of the aorta is surgically removed.
It is replaced with a synthetic graft.
Requires a larger incision and longer recovery.

2. Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR)

A stent graft is inserted through blood vessels using a catheter.
It reinforces the weakened aorta from inside.
Less invasive with faster recovery.

Benefits of Aortic Surgery

Prevents life-threatening rupture
Restores normal blood flow
Reduces pain and pressure symptoms
Improves long-term survival
Treats high-risk vascular conditions effectively

Recovery After Surgery

Recovery depends on the procedure:

Open surgery: longer hospital stay and recovery period
EVAR: shorter stay and quicker return to activities

Patients are advised:

Regular follow-ups and imaging tests
Blood pressure control
Healthy lifestyle changes
Avoid heavy physical strain initially

Risks and Complications

Possible risks include:

Bleeding
Infection
Blood clots
Graft complications
Kidney or organ stress
Rare rupture or leakage after repair

With modern surgical techniques, outcomes are highly successful when treated early.

Expert Cardiac Care

Dr. Saeed Akhtar provides advanced aortic and vascular surgeries using modern techniques focused on safety, precision, and long-term patient recovery.