Thoracic aortic aneurysm

Overview

A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a weakened area in the upper part of the aorta. The aorta is the major blood vessel that feeds blood to the body.

A thoracic aortic aneurysm may also be called thoracic aneurysm and aortic dissection (TAAD) because an aneurysm can lead to a tear in the artery wall (dissection) that can cause life-threatening bleeding. Small and slow-growing thoracic aortic aneurysms may not ever rupture, but large, fast-growing aneurysms may.

Depending on the size and growth rate of your thoracic aortic aneurysm, treatment may vary from watchful waiting to emergency surgery. Ideally, surgery for a thoracic aortic aneurysm can be planned if necessary.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for thoracic aortic aneurysm

• Experience. Mayo Clinic doctors trained in blood vessel conditions (vascular specialists), blood vessel surgery (vascular surgeons), heart and blood vessel surgery (cardiovascular surgeons), and others have experience evaluating and treating thoracic aortic aneurysms and other types of aneurysms.
• Team approach. Mayo Clinic doctors trained in many areas work together to treat your condition.
• Efficient system. Mayo Clinic doctors evaluate your condition and develop a treatment plan, often within a few days.
• Diagnostic tools. Mayo Clinic doctors use the most current imaging tests available to accurately diagnose thoracic aortic aneurysms and determine your treatment. Tests may include echocardiography, computerized tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and other tests.
• Treatment expertise. Mayo Clinic doctors have expertise and experience in treating thoracic aortic aneurysms using the most current endovascular surgery, open chest surgery, aortic root surgery and other treatment options.
• Vascular centers. Each Mayo Clinic location offers a vascular center staffed by trained doctors and nurses who have experience treating vascular diseases. Vascular centers include the Gonda Vascular Center at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and vascular centers at Mayo Clinic in Arizona and Florida.
• Research. Mayo Clinic doctors study potential diagnostic tests and treatments for thoracic aortic aneurysms and other vascular conditions and conduct clinical trials.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for heart and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report.

Mayo Clinic: Answers you can trust

At Mayo Clinic, we assemble a team of specialists who take the time to listen and thoroughly understand your health issues and concerns. We tailor the care you receive to your personal health care needs. You can trust our specialists to collaborate and offer you the best possible outcomes, safety and service.

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution that reinvests all earnings into improving medical practice, research and education. We're constantly involved in innovation and medical research, finding solutions to improve your care and quality of life. Your doctor or someone on your medical team is likely involved in research related to your condition.

Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care — and trusted answers — like they've never experienced.

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Related book: Mayo Clinic Healthy Heart for Life! book provides an easy-to-follow plan to prevent and conquer heart disease.