Have Confidence in Your Treatment Plan
Due to trauma, aging or congenital conditions, many people may develop an aneurysm — a weakened, bulging part of a blood vessel. Unfortunately, aneurysms don’t always have noticeable symptoms. But if an aneurysm ruptures, it’s a life-threatening emergency that can’t wait.
If you’re at risk of an aneurysm or have any signs of potential aneurysm, we’re here for you. Missouri Baptist Medical Center’s cardiac surgeons provide expert evaluation and treatment of all types and all stages of aneurysms. Depending on the size of your aneurysm, you may not need immediate surgery, but rather regular monitoring. We’ll explain all of your options and make sure you’re comfortable with your care decisions. Throughout the process, our team provides guidance and helps ease your concerns about selecting the best treatment for you
Why choose us?
At Missouri Baptist Medical Center (MoBap) you receive care from a team of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and cardiac nurses. The specialization of our team allows us to have an in-depth knowledge of cardiac diseases and treatments, paired with a dedication that allows us to treat the whole patient.
Our cardiac surgery program outcomes exceed several national quality benchmarks, according to the Society of Thoracic Surgery (STS) data registry. Developed to improve safety and patient outcomes for cardiothoracic surgeries, the STS data registry is the largest cardiac surgery registry in the world.
- Among a select group of heart programs in the U.S. to consistently receive the STS’ highest 3-star rating
- Highly specialized team of surgeons and cardiologists meet weekly to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient
- Centrally located in St. Louis
Questions & Answers
Why does an aneurysm need repair?
As a blood vessel wall weakens from the pressure of pumping blood, the aneurysm can grow. The repair reinforces the weakened part of the vessel. A ruptured (burst) aneurysm can cause significant blood loss. This life-threatening condition needs emergency care.
Aneurysms are most common in older men, and they most often occur in the aorta. The aorta delivers blood from the heart to the rest of the body. In many cases, an aneurysm has no symptoms.
If you have an aneurysm, you should see a cardiovascular surgeon for evaluation and to discuss a plan of care. Your doctor will keep an eye on the size of your aneurysm, and may recommend aneurysm repair surgery if an aneurysm meets certain criteria:
- Grows larger
- Grows quickly
- Causes pain or other symptoms
What types of aneurysms do we treat?
MoBap’s cardiovascular surgical team treats aneurysms that occur in the chest and abdomen, which includes the aorta, the largest blood vessel in the body.
Aortic aneurysms can affect any part of the aorta. The ascending aorta allows blood to exit the heart. The arch and the descending aorta carry blood to the rest of the body.
The MoBap heart team treats all types of aortic aneurysms, including:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): The most common aneurysm, forming a bulge in the descending aorta where it passes through your abdomen (belly)
- Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA): An aneurysm in the ascending aorta, in the chest, sometimes related to congenital disorders such as Marfan disease
- Thoracoabdominal aneurysm: A bulge or weak spot where the aorta extends into the abdomen from the chest
What should I expect during an aneurysm repair procedure?
For aneurysm repair, we use a minimally invasive endovascular (inside the artery) approach if your aneurysm meets certain criteria. These techniques use a catheter, a long, narrow tube to repair the aneurysm. If an endovascular approach cannot be performed, you may need open surgery.
Open surgery for aneurysm repair most commonly involves removing the diseased section of the aorta and replacing it with a stent graft. This graft (tube) reinforces and protects the artery so the blood can flow properly.
What are the benefits of aneurysm repair?
Preventive aneurysm repair can treat an aneurysm before it ruptures, avoiding a life-threatening medical situation. Aneurysm surgery restores blood flow from your aorta to the rest of your body and can save your life.
In many cases, we perform preventive aneurysm repair as a minimally invasive procedure. With endovascular (inside the artery) techniques, you benefit from aneurysm repair with a faster, less painful recovery and shorter hospital stay.
What happens during endovascular procedures?
Endovascular treatment options vary by patient and the location of the aneurysm.
Our surgeons perform specialized endovascular procedures:
- Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) treats aneurysms or dissections in the abdomen
- Thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) treats aneurysms or dissections in the descending aorta in the chest. In a dissection, part of the aorta wall tears, and blood seeps into the aorta wall. The repair protects the aorta so the dissection can heal.
During the EVAR and TEVAR procedures, you will have general anesthesia so you that you are asleep. The surgeon:
- Makes a puncture (a small hole) in your leg, near the groin, to access the femoral artery, a large blood vessel in your leg
- Inserts a catheter through the artery to the aneurysm in the aorta
- Places a stent graft, a fabric tube with a wire frame, to line and strengthen the blood vessel wall
- Carefully removes the catheter and applies the bandage
What happens during open surgery procedures?
For some patients, open surgery is the best option for aneurysm repair. Treatment options vary by patient and our team of experts will guide you through making the best decision for your condition.
For open aneurysm repair, you will have general anesthesia (be asleep). The time it takes to complete open aneurysm surgery depends on the complexity of the procedure.
The surgical team works through an incision in your chest or abdomen. During the procedure, the surgeon:
- Carefully clamps the aorta to stop blood flow to the aneurysm
- Uses a heart-lung machine to support your body’s function during surgery
- Removes the damaged part of the aorta and replaces it with a fabric graft (tube) that provides a stable route for blood flow
- Closes the incision with sutures
What tests may I have prior to my procedure?
Your doctor cannot tell if you have an aneurysm with a routine exam. Many aneurysms have no signs. If you do have symptoms, they may include belly, chest or low back pain, a pulse beating in your abdomen (belly) or low blood pressure.
If you have an aneurysm, you may need advanced imaging tests:
- CT scans: Imaging tests that provide images of your organs and blood vessels, including the aorta
- Transthoracic echocardiography (echo test): Ultrasound test that shows images of your aorta and heart as your heart beats
What does recovery look like?
Your recovery will vary depending on whether you have an open or minimally invasive aneurysm repair. Throughout your recovery, our experienced team of cardiovascular nurses will be your heart care advocate, supporting you with understanding the process and answering any questions you and your family have.
- After endovascular aneurysm repair, most people stay in the hospital for a day or two. You may be able to return to your usual activities within three weeks.
- After open surgery, most people stay in the hospital for three to five days depending on the complexity of your procedure. You’ll need to rest and avoid heavy exertion for about six weeks or until your incisions have healed. A full recovery takes about two months.
Which doctors specialize in aneurysm repair at MoBap?
A MoBap cardiovascular surgeon performs aneurysm repair. To schedule an appointment with a MoBap heart specialist, call 314-934-3969 or fill out a contact form.
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