General Information

DEFINITION--A surgical procedure to remove an aneurysm (a swelling, dilatation or ballooning of a blood vessel due to weakening that is caused by disease, injury or a congenital defect in the artery wall).

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Aneurysms can form anywhere in the body. The most common sites are the aorta and the arteries supplying the brain.

REASONS FOR SURGERY

• Heart problems.
• Pressure of an aneurysm on surrounding structures.
• Reduce risk of blood clots.
• Relieve symptoms.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Obesity; smoking.
• Recent or chronic illness such as: severe heart attack; high blood pressure; thyroid disease; or diabetes mellitus.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Chronic congestive heart failure (advanced).

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES-Cardiovascular surgeon; vascular surgeon.

WHERE PERFORMED-Hospital.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood studies; chest x-ray; cardiac catheterization; ECG; sonogram (See Glossary for all).
• During surgery: ECG; angiograms (See Glossary).
• After surgery: ECG; chest x-ray; sonogram.

ANESTHESIA-General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION--

Surgery for an aneurysm on the heart is described here:

• The patient is connected to the heart-lung equipment to allow the heart to be stopped temporarily so surgery can be performed on the diseased tissue. > The heart is made to stop by cooling and weak electrical shock. > The aneurysm is removed along with a border of normal heart tissue. > The edges of the heart are sewn together. > The heart is warmed, then the heartbeat is restored by a weak electrical shock. Note: Coronary artery bypass surgery is frequently performed at the same time.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Surgical wound infection.
• Excessive bleeding.
• Blood clot to leg or kidney and other areas.
• Continued heartbeat irregularities.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY-7 to 10 days.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Improved effectiveness of heart function and reduced likelihood of heartbeat irregularities. Allow 6 weeks for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

> Move and elevate legs frequently while resting in bed to decrease the likelihood of deep--vein blood clots.

MEDICATION--

Your doctor may prescribe:

• Pain relievers. Don't take prescription pain medication longer than 4 to 7 days. Use only as much as you need. > Stool softeners to prevent constipation. > Heart medications to prevent rhythm disturbances and strengthen heart muscle contractions. > Medications to reduce blood pressure.

> To help recovery and aid your well--

being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as possible.

• Wait 1 month after returning home before attempting to drive. > Resume sexual relations when your doctor determines that healing is complete. > Ask your doctor for advice about an exercise rehabilitation program.

DIET---As directed by your doctor.

Call Your Doctor If

> Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.