5.3 Aortic Aneurysm Surgery Completed

No, TEVARS are not developed for an ascending aneurysm replacement. It's a full sternotomy. I had mine replaced at 5.3 cm and was in ICU for 7 days. Pretty difficult time, with massive delirium, which they tell me is pretty common. It will take a lot out of you and the recovery will take 3-4 months, but better than an emergency surgery, where the risks of dying is extremely high if there is a tear or rupture.

All the best.

The doc said not to lift anything over 30 pounds, not to strain in such a way as to raise blood pressure such as holding one's breath and straining, keep my blood pressure as low as possible but aside from those restrictions, to go about my life like I have been in the past. I still go on walks an hikes with my wife. I still continue working on building our house and shop. I am kinda disappointed that I can no longer do much of any weight lifting or strenuous work outs. As long as I can do this and stay healthy, I am thankful and blessed. Sure beats being 6 foot under.

I would causing you not to be overly eager or in a rush to have surgery. From what I have read and researched, repair of an ascending aortic aneurysm in most instances is not a good candidate for arthroscopic surgery that typically is accomplished through a small incision in the artery in the groin. I found some ascending aortic artery repair surgery video's and watched them to get an idea of what all was involved. I doubt I would never have that surgery and only as a last option to save my life as long as other options are available. It is a roughly 14 hour surgery.

Sometimes in life, it's best to make due with what you have. Depending upon age, current health status, and other factors, the risk may not be worth it. My opinion may and probably will change as time goes on but for now, I think I will wait, "fly it, and watch it", and keep an eye on what the Good Lord, advances in medical treatment & science will bring.

What is this type of surgery called ?
The dr I went to see said they open you wide up and I said
NO
I may do the less invasive type - a stent ?

Happy for your success!
How are you doing now?
Where was your aneurysm located ?
I have a 5.5 it has grown .6 in 2 years - I’m 67 deciding what to do.

I saw recently that Stanford did the first ascending aorta stent back in February. So, the technology is developing, but it's still experimental at this point:
https://med.stanford.edu/ctsurgery/about-the-department/news/2025/first-endovascular-ascending-aorta-stent-graft-in-western-us.html

If you’re referring to having an abdominal aortic aneurysm, the less invasive surgery is called EVAR. Depending on where and how big the aneurysm is determines if they can use that procedure.

There is only one way they can repair your AAA (ascending) and is by opening your chest called sternotomy and going on the ECMO machine (extra corporeal oxygenation). They cannot access the area thru an endovascular approach and stent thru the groin. Too many important arteries attached to the ascending part of the aorta including one to the coronary arteries. Going in to the ECMO machine has it side effects mainly in cognitive. It is a very serious operation for anyone but as we age it becomes more serious. So they have to decide according to age, height, existing medical conditions and aneurysm size. Mine is 5.9 and was discovered in 2011 so it has grown very slowly and I am in excellent health, non-smoker, no hypertension, but I am 80! So likely that they won't recommend surgery unless it dissects. I will have to let God decides when He calls
Dr Picardi

Let's not confuse results of Abdominal Aneurysms with Aortic Ascending aneurysms because you are confusing those who are not medically savvy.
let's only report on AAA in this support group.
Dr Picardi

I agree and absolutely do not want to confuse anyone. My husband has Loeys-Dietz and has a AAA measuring 5.2 cm currently. Our thoracic surgeon said that depending on the location and other factors would determine whether the less invasive EVAR procedure. I thought I was reporting on AAA. My apologies if I made a mistake or posted in the wrong area. My only experience is that I’m a retired RN and trusted what the medical professionals have told us.

AAA is used as an abbreviation for abdominal aortic aneurysm. TAA is Thoracic aortic aneurysm and includes descending aortic and ascending aortic aneurysm, the aortic arch and aortic root. only the descending aorta in the TAA category as EVAR as a possible option. Those are experimental for the ascending aorta. I had a Bental procedure on my aortic root and ascending aorta 7 months ago in addition to several other things at Mayo in Jacksonville. That said, I consider a 5.2cm and 5.9cm TAA to be very very serious.