Cardiovascular Center of Excellence
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Vascular Services
(732) 235-7816
(609) 860-0326 (Monroe Township office)
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital recently introduced a minimally-invasive treatment option for repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA), a potentially deadly bulge on the main vessel in the chest carrying blood from the heart.
When left untreated, a thoracic aortic aneurysm can rupture, causing death within minutes. If detected in time, the aneurysm can be treated with the new GORE TAG Thoracic Endoprosthesis by way of endovascular repair, a minimally-invasive procedure in which surgeons gain access to the aneurysm through tiny incisions.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the device in March 2005 for treatment of patients with aneurysms of the descending thoracic aorta, which is the main artery bringing blood to the body below the heart.
This minimally-invasive procedure minimizes a patient's hospital stay and avoids the need for open surgery, a procedure many patients with complex pre-existing conditions cannot endure. Patients able to withstand the traditional open surgical procedure face risks during the procedure, potential infection and long recovery times. In clinical trials comparing the GORE TAG device to open surgical repair, GORE TAG device patients experienced fewer complications, significantly less procedural blood loss, a shortened hospital stay and a faster return to normal activity.
Regular screenings for people who are at risk of having a thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) are the key to identifying and treating the condition early. People who have high blood pressure, diabetes, family history of TAA or who smoke may be at risk of having a TAA. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital offers screenings and encourages those at risk to get checked regularly.
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