To repair an ascending aortic aneurysm is open heart, there’s just not another way to properly get to that area. I had mine 5 years ago at 5.2 cm, they replaced that whole section of the aorta with a graft. My cardiologist told me in some cases many years after surgery some people may get a new dilation where the graft and the aorta were sawn together in that case TVAR may be used.

My surgeon and cardiologist were top notch, like others have said get the best team possible, mine is one of the best in Houston. I still see my cardiologist every year. He is an expert in aneurysms and aortic diseases, that makes a big difference.

5 years on , I’m doing great pretty much at 100%, active, exercising a lot and enjoying life with family.