What is the correct cm in thoracic aorta ansersym to have surgery

Hey, I hear you—and I really get it. I had my own emergency open-heart surgery nearly 10 years ago for a dissected thoracic aortic aneurysm. I was 50 at the time, and I can tell you firsthand—this stuff gets real, fast. You’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed or unsure about what to do next. It’s scary, especially when you’re the only one making the call. GET A SECOND OPINION RIGHT NOW FROM A THORACIC SURGEON AT A MAJOR HEART CENTER. Mayo, Cleveland, UT Houston, U of Minnesota, UCSD, etc.

A 5.5 cm thoracic aortic aneurysm is right at the threshold where most guidelines say close monitoring or surgical consultation is necessary, depending on your body size, symptoms, and growth rate. The general cutoff for surgery is often 5.5 cm for the ascending aorta—but many top centers (especially in the U.S.) consider earlier surgery around 5.0–5.3 cm if you’re otherwise healthy and especially if you’re young, like you, at 55.

And two years between checkups at your size? That seems way too long. Most specialists recommend imaging every 6 to 12 months at this stage. You’re absolutely right to trust your instincts and seek a second opinion—preferably from a thoracic aortic surgeon at a high-volume center. They’ll look at your full history, growth rate, CT or MRI imaging, and maybe even genetic factors.

Just to be clear: you didn’t cause this. It’s not from smoking or anything you did wrong. Aneurysms often develop silently and can be related to connective tissue strength, blood pressure, or even genes you’ve never heard of.

You’re not lost. You’re paying attention. You’re asking the right questions. And you’re advocating for yourself—and that’s exactly what saved my life in 2015. You’ve got this.

Peace.

I agree with @moonboy, get a second opinion ASAP, every two year monitor is not right. I was 54 when they found my 5.2cm aneurysm, I found the best thoracic surgeon in Houston and his recommendation was to have it repaired as soon as possible. He also referred me to a cardiologist who specializes in aortic diseases and he had the same opinion. In my case 5.2 was considered large for my body size and there was a history of aneurysms in my family, they also took into account my age, the fact that I was in great physical health, never smoked, and that made the surgery minimum risk. Find the best thoracic surgeon available to you, or go to a major heart center even if you have to travel, this is one of the cases when you do anything to get this resolved properly.
Good luck to you!!!

Geenral question. What is the preferred surgical treatment for 5.0 cm , growing every year, age 73, never smoked, but family history. Sleeve stent ? Other?

Thoracic or Abdominal?, there are different approaches depending on the location, if it is thoracic (that was my case) the only current effective way is through Open Heart surgery and replacement of the aneurysm section with a graft. For abdominal I believe there are other options

When facing a 5.0 cm ascending aortic aneurysm that is steadily growing each year, particularly with a family history of aortic disease, the preferred surgical treatment is typically open surgical repair, not a sleeve stent. At 5.0 cm, many specialized aortic centers consider surgery—especially in patients with risk factors like consistent growth and family history. The procedure usually involves replacing the aneurysmal section of the ascending aorta with a **Dacron graft** through open-heart surgery. This approach has decades of proven outcomes and is still the gold standard for ascending aneurysms. Sleeve stents (endovascular grafts) are generally reserved for descending thoracic aneurysms or abdominal aortic aneurysms, not for ascending aortas. The anatomy and movement of the ascending aorta make stenting less reliable and not yet widely approved for that location.

At 73 and with good overall health and no smoking history, you're likely a strong candidate for surgery—assuming your heart and lungs are in stable shape. But everything should be confirmed by an experienced aortic surgeon, not a general cardiologist or vascular surgeon. I had emergency surgery for a dissected ascending aneurysm at age 50. What saved my life was that I made it to a team that specialized in this exact repair. The knowledge that you have this condition gives you an advantage I didn’t have—you can plan ahead. Peace.

Thank you both. It is ascending thoracic. Wow, open heart surgery. Didn't expect that.
Best wishes for good health.

When mine was found 8 years ago it was 4.7, so they just watched it every year with an echocardiogram. Last fall it measured 5.0, but "protocol" said 5.2 you see a cardiovascular surgeon. So this year my echocardiogram showed 5.2, followed up with a CT that showed 5.2. Saw a cardiovascular surgeon, followed up with a second opinion (I was hoping for no open heart surgery). Second opinion said open heart surgery...so November 6th had my surgery. So, no more ticking time bomb. But if yours is 5.5, I think it needs to go. In my personal opinion. Keep seeing doctors until you feel comfortable with the answers you're getting and you like the doctor.

I have it by my heart ,like a balloon . It's at 5.5 cm and the Dr says for me to come back in 2 yrs

I’ve heard/read several times that 5.5 cm is the time to get surgery

You need to get a 2nd opinion from an experienced thoracic surgeon in a major medical center. At 5.5 you should be a candidate for surgery soon (assuming no other health issues)