Mrs. Akritidou was referred to us with a diagnosis of ascending aortic aneurysm and shortness of breath on exertion as her main symptom. The initial diagnosis was revealed through an echocardiography and a computed tomography confirmed the diagnosis, with ascending aorta measurements of 5,7cm. Additionally, a preoperative coronary angiography revealed a chronic total occlusion of the RCA.
The indicated treatment for Mrs. Akritidou was a replacement of the ascending aorta and CABG of the RCA. An ascending aortic aneurysm is repaired via open heart surgery in which the weakened section of the ascending aorta is replaced with a graft (synthetic fabric tube). This graft acts as a new lining for the artery, allowing blood to pass through. The best timing for ascending aortic aneurysm repair depends on many factors. Aneurysms with a diameter of less than 5 cm can be monitored without surgery. Surgical repair, on the other hand, maybe advised if the aneurysm:
is larger than 5,5 cm,
is larger than 4,5 cm and has connective tissue disease,
is larger than 5cm and has uncontrolled blood pressure,
is growing at a rate of more than 0.5 cm per year,
is causing symptoms
Mrs. Akritidou was closely monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU) for a few days following surgery before being transferred to a regular hospital room. She made a slow but steady recovery, was mobilized on the second postoperative day, and returned home a few days later.
This is her one-month post-surgery check-up; she is recovering well and getting stronger by the day.
We send you our best wishes, Mrs. Akritidou. Remember to take it one day at a time, and you'll be doing all of the things you love again sooner than you think!