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Second opinion for Ascending Aortic Surgery
I am so glad I found this group! I no longer feel alone with my aorta problem.
In late 2019 I was diagnosed with an ascending aortic aneurysm. Like most of us it was discovered by some other problem. The initial MRI measured the aorta at 4.2cm. I have had scans (echo or CTA) annually.
My May 2023 scan measured at 4.5 cm. My cardiologist referred me to a surgeon for a consult since a surgeon makes the call on when to have the surgery. The surgeon confirmed to me that it would be a full open chest procedure and we had a discussion on how they make the call on when to have surgery. I have a follow up with him next year.
I live in the Raleigh/Durham area in North Carolina close to Duke University Medical Center and UNC Chapel Hill Medical Center. All good medical centers. For those who sought out the Mayo Clinic or the Cleveland Clinic, what made you do that? What makes these clinics be so sought out? I don’t feel like a need a second opinion. It’s pretty clear a repair will be needed. I want to make sure I have the procedure at the best place.
By the way, I am a 64 year old female in good health and good fitness. I have been cycling and lap swimming for many, many years. I have only had minor surgeries.
Thank you!
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I’m glad I am in this group as my heart surgeon in Rapid City SD is saying I need the aortic repair surgery sooner than later within the next six months. My aneurysm is that at 4.9 and I am very small in stature. I am going to the University of Colorado for a second opinion but I am wondering how you know which hospital is the best to do the surgery? How do I found it out that Colorado will be the place to go? I have done other doctoring there for other issues. Or do I seek second opinion at Mayo Clinic. Confused and scared
@jbh465 After finding my Ascending Aorta Aneurysm decades ago it has monitored every year to see if it enlarged... but it has not budged a bit.. Mayo MN has an ER.. or you would need to gather all past tests, x-rays, scans, etc. To be sent to the Mayo heart section...
That's a great question.
I have looked at the US News rankings. They rank hospitals by the illness treated.
Here's a top ten in the area of aorta surgery: https://health.usnews.com/health-care/best-hospitals/slideshows/best-hospitals-for-cardiology-heart-surgery?onepage
Here's a ranking for what might be the hospital you are going to: https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/co/university-of-colorado-hospital-6840430
I am far outside the medical community and happily don't have much experience with surgeries. Hope this helps.
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1 ReactionThank you both for the feedback. The referral is being sent to the University of Colorado medical facility. If I am not comfortable with what they recommend, we are getting another opinion from Mayo.
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