Thanks for the comments and I'm glad that you've done well.

I had it and the arch done in Apr of 2021 at MUSC. My aneurysm was 14.99cm when it was taken out!!

@@clemsonbloke 14.99cm??? Did I read that right?

@@dwightkeen5160 Yes Sir!

@@clemsonbloke Sounds like everything went well. I'm happy for you. Good Luck with the rest of your recovery.

I think you got good advice and I'm glad that the aneurysm is not growing.

Thank you very much. Please make sure you keep your blood pressure controlled. Good luck.

They sometimes stay at the same number for a few years, little here little there. Be well

Great news!. Very happy for you.

Mine is 5.0 as of yesterday. Will see Next week I have no symptoms on a strong athlete. Did you feel any pain or why did you have it? Thank you for your answer and help.

@@azrak555 I had no pain at all. My aneurysm was found by accident while getting a CT on a completely unrelated health issue. Best of luck!

I forgot to ask you, was it an open heart surgery or EVAR? Thanks again.

@@azrak555 open heart. did a valve repair as well.

I appreciate the comments. Unless you have a special situation, you don't need the surgery at this time. Good Luck!

Thank you for the nice comments. My pleasure.

I appreciate the comments.

@@cardiacsurgerypatienteduca2445 Yes, these men are doing God's work! I love you Doctor, I love all you guys that do this stuff! I had a 15cm ascending aortic Aneurysm!! Talk about the "Widow Maker" as people have said! I am feeling good, Dr. Sanford Zeigler did my surgery and I thank God for him because he saved my life! I wonder if you have ever talked to him? He is very humble Surgeon and that really eased me when I had mine done. I had it done down at MUSC (Medical University of South Carolina). Well sir this video is excellent and I enjoyed it. Take care and God Bless you sir!

Glad to hear you are doing well. Keep your blood pressure controlled. Good Luck!

Are beta blockers the drug of choice or ARBs? I come through a lot of mixed literature

My brother-in-law just had surgery for ascending aortic aneurysm. The doctor said their was complications when they started to attach the aorta to the valve. He said it started to tear like tissue paper causing them to have to replace the valve. I don’t understand how they didn’t know ahead of time that he had such thin tissue. The surgery took longer than expected resulting in his right side of heart not functioning. They put him on an Ecmo machine. It’s been two weeks and he hasn’t woke up yet. The doctors say that it’s because his kidneys failed and his liver function is getting worse, therefore the sedatives may still be in his system. They are giving him a slim chance to recover.

Thank you! It’s been depressing stressing crying my eyeballs kind of thing. Thanks for the encouragement really helps god bless.

God will give new heart

I'm going to get this next week, I'm 19 😢

Thank you for the great comments.

Hi, sorry for the delay. I'm glad they found the aneurysm. I hope the cardiologist explained that the aneurysm is not causing your symptoms. Please make sure your cardiologist refers you to a Cardiac surgeon as well. Good luck

Congratulations on your recovery and I'm glad that surgery went well.

@@cardiacsurgerypatienteduca2445 Many thanks and Happy New year to you.

Hi Dave, glad that you are recovering well. Im 49 yo, I have bicuspid valve and aortic aneurysm too at 4.9cm. Was your surgery done to rectify both issues at one go or it was done separately? Wishing you best of health.

@@syamharris I had both done in the same procedure ( Bentall procedure) I had severe aortic stenosis and my aneurysm was 5.5 cm. I am now taking warfarin for life because of the mechanical valve and have found no issues with this and I am 62 yrs old. My son had Aortic valve stenosis when he was a child and had open heart surgery at age 7 , fortunately he didn’t need a valve replacement and he’s now a very fit at 33 yrs old. I hope all goes well with you and try to stay positive, take care and if I can help in any way just ask a question 👍

Glad you are doing well. Please make sure your family members update their personal doctors. Aortic issues run in the family.

​@@cardiacsurgerypatienteduca2445 hello doctor I just have a pulsating on abdominal below xiphoid process I'm fearing that May be I have aneurysm

Sounds like he is doing well. Great to Hear!

@@cardiacsurgerypatienteduca2445 he’s doing very well for the risk and the 50/50 mortality rate he had coming out of it. It’s just dealing with the aFib now. He had surgery Thursday and should be coming home in a day or two.

Thanks Doc.... 63 y.o. ...Just clocked a 4.3 and thank God we like in the 3rd millennium!! June will get more details... Also I have a lot ... A LOT ... Of friend who got heart attacks while bench pressing .. ironically, I couldn't bench lately because of a pinched nerve in right shoulder... Take care and thanks to all for giving me a little comfort for available options .. 😊

Hi, sorry for the delay in responding. I would advise that you meet with a cardiac surgeon now for several reasons. First, it's always better to establish a relationship with a person who may potentially operate on you. Second, it will allow you time to determine if you trust the surgeon and like him/her. Third, it will give you time to discuss the long-term plan (surgical options). At 4.5cm, an aortic root aneurysm, which is what it sounds like you have, you don't need surgery right now. I suspect if your aortic valve is working fine, you won't need surgery until the aortic root gets over 5cm. Now, if your aortic valve starts to leak (aka aortic valve regurgitation) you may need the surgery sooner. There are very good aortic surgeons in LA. If you need a recommendation, contact me directly at www.cardiacsurgerypatienteducation.com. I suspect your cardiologist knows good cardiac surgeons as well. Good Luck.

I appreciate the comments. Good luck with everything.

Thank you for the nice comments. Keep your blood pressure controlled and get a well experienced cardiac surgeon who specializes in aortic surgery to follow you. Hopefully with good blood pressure control, it doesn't grow. Good luck!

Hi, I'm sure you will do well. I want to be clear if done by a surgeon who does this all the time, the surgical risk are low. Please get a second opinion but also get an experienced surgeon. I'm sure you will do well. Good Luck!

@Cardiac Surgery Patient Education Where are you located? And how much does a ultrasound or CT Scan cost, cash out of pocket, no insurance? For an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?

Hi, I completely understand your concerns and the desire to get this taken care of ASAP. I have had patients who requested the surgery before 5.5cm however never before 5cm. I'll defer to you and your doctors. I strongly recommend that you select a cardiac surgeon who does this all the time. Good Luck!

@@cardiacsurgerypatienteduca2445 what is the normal rate of change? Mine went from 4 to 4.5 in 5 years (age 53 and now age 58). Is that slow, normal, or accelerated? This news is less than two old for me, I'm still a bit rocked by it.

Good Luck! I'm sure you will do fine. In experience hands, the risk are relatively low.

I'm glad that everything worked out for you!

Thank you for the kind comments.

I appreciate your comments. I would definitely speak with a Cardiothoracic surgeon soon who is very experienced in this surgery. You meet the requirements for surgery right now. The success rate of the surgery electively is very high in comparison to if the aneurysm ruptures. Good Luck!

You definitely are fortunate. Congratulations on both. Take care!

Hi John, Thank you for your comments. If you were told, you have a small aortic valve leak, its' possible you may never have to have surgery. If you do require surgery there are multiple less invasive options to address your aortic valve issue. First, there are minimally invasive surgery (thoracotomy and not sternotomy). The incisions are smaller. Second, there are percutaneous options in development for the repair of the aortic valve or replacement but this will not be available for a few years. Finally, I understand why you are concerned about traditional surgery with your chest being opened, however the outcomes of these procedures are very good. Patients have been having open heart surgery for decades and the results in the correct hands are excellent. Good Luck!

I wish you the best.

Thank you for the comments. I hope your aneurysm never grows and you don't require surgery. Keep your blood pressure well controlled. Make sure you have a cardiologist and heart surgeon seeing you at minimum annually. Take care.

THANKYOU!

@@cardiacsurgerypatienteduca2445 how much will losing weight help to prevent growth from from occurring and/or worsening the situation? I noted that you mentioned lowering HBP as well . I’m starting to take away meat from my diet as well

@@dwillmayne5516 Thanks for the question. Losing weight could contribute to lowering your blood pressure and that will improve the situation. The critical aspect is keeping your blood pressure controlled. Personally anything that will overall improve your health will improve the situation.

Good Luck!

I should add that she is just 8.5 years old.

Thanks for the comments.

@@cardiacsurgerypatienteduca2445 Can a Stent Graft be installed into the ascending aorta instead of the above surgical repair?

Hi, sorry for the delay in responding. I'm glad that your mom's aneurysm never grew more than 3.9cm. I would strongly recommend that you keep your blood pressure controlled, follow with a Cardiothoracic surgeon, and a cardiologist. Good Luck!

Thank you for the kind words.

I appreciate the question. I would state that an ascending aortic aneurysm of 4.1 or 4.2cm will most likely not grow to the 5.5cm however, it still needs to be monitored. By the way, aneurysms don't get smaller so the 4.1cm that was just pointed out is most likely a variable based on the person reading the CT scan. Radiologists can measure the same CT scan differently. Either way continue to monitor. Keep your blood pressure controlled.

Hi, the surgery for a AAA in the abdomen is significantly less risky especially if it can be done with an endovascular stent. Good Luck

Hi, please make sure your brother sees an experienced surgeon. Those are important risk factors but an experienced surgeon should get him through it. Good Luck!

Hi, I apologize for the delay in responding. There are certain surgeons that can perform this operation through a minimally invasive approach. Hopefully you will never need the operation. At 4.2 cm that is a small aneurysm . I would strongly recommend keeping your blood pressure controlled, and get a referral to a cardiac surgeon. Good Luck!

Me too🎱

Hi, sorry for the delay in responding. I hope I understand your question correctly. It sounds like your cardiologist thinks that your aorta has not changed in size. I STRONGLY recommend that you ask for and get a CT scan of the chest to look at the size of your ascending aorta. Its a better test than an echo. I would get that test to see the true size of your aorta. Good luck.

@@cardiacsurgerypatienteduca2445 many thanks for your help and attention!!! Blessings!

I'm sorry your dealing with the cough. Its unusual for an aneurysm to cause a cough unless it was extremely large and perhaps irritating surrounding structures. The size of your aneurysm doesn't seem that big. If you really believe its the aneurysm then get a CT scan chest with contrast and have the radiologist determine if the aneurysm is compressing any structures. Good luck!

Good Luck!

Good luck. Keep your blood pressure well controlled and hopefully you could avoid surgery.

Sorry for the delay in responding. I recognize and understand your concerns. First, the increase in size doesn't necessarily mean it will continue. It could stop growing. Second, an elective surgical repair of an aneurysm has a 98% success in a well experienced surgeon. There is no reason you have to die. Research good surgeons. Good luck.

Sorry for the delay in responding. I personally think that operating at 4.6cm is a little early however since your brother died, I can understand why it was recommended that you have surgery earlier than the actual size indication (5.5cm). Regarding the chest pain you're having a lot depends on how long ago was your operation. If its been many years since your surgery, I would be more concerned. Although you had a stress test, sometimes those are wrong (false negative). A cardiac catherization to look at your coronary arteries is the best test. I would speak to your cardiologist about this. I would also go back to your cardiac surgeon to discuss. Good Luck.

How long was your recovery?

@@jamesreeves9740 I had the operation in May of 2013 and by October of that year I was hiking in Yellowstone. Took some time though to get back up to speed on activities.

I appreciate the question. There are many more details that I would need answered before making a final recommendations but a moderately dilated AR (aortic root) and severely dilated left atrium would most likely force surgical intervention. Please see a cardiothoracic surgeon for advice.

Hi, sorry for the delay in responding. An aneurysm of 4.7cm is most likely NOT causing you to have chest pain and SOB. Aneurysms classically only cause symptoms AFTER they rupture. At 4.7cm, you do NOT meet criteria for surgical intervention. I would STRONGLY recommend talking to your cardiologist to work up the TRUE cause of your symptoms. I would find the true cause of your symptoms before aggressive exercise. Once again, without more information, I see no reason for surgery.

@@cardiacsurgerypatienteduca2445 thanks very much, don't worry about delay. I don't expect instant response! 😏 I've been to the cardiologist a few days ago, he suggested going to better specialist in Bangkok (I'm in Hua Hin, a smaller town). I don't know about that. Might do that later. In the meantime I'll take up cycling again, see if that will improve the condition. And I'm doing it gently. I'm not going to it like I did in the early 80s. All those years of training and racing have taught me to recognize how my body reacts. Heart and lungs are not the same as legs ... I record my modest activity on Strava: Freek Faro.

Hopefully you never need it. Keep your blood pressure controlled! Get it checked yearly!

I'm sorry for your loss. Please make sure you and your family get evaluated for an aneurysm as well.

I'm sorry for the delay in responding. What are the risks or risk factors of what? I apologize but I'm not understanding your question. The risks of the aneurysm is possible rupture, I WOULD STRONGLY RECOMMEND you find a heart surgeon very experienced in aortic surgery just in case your father needs that surgery one day. Good Luck!

Sorry for the delay in responding. There is no medical cure for an aneurysm. You can treat these medically with blood pressure control but the ultimate treatment is surgical if it gets to the target size. You can always decide to not operate which has its own consequences but this would require a long discussion with the heart surgeon.

Actually, she doesn't need surgery. Find a cardiologist who will manage her blood pressure and get a cardiac surgeon that is well respected. She doesn't need surgery but should be followed by a surgeon just to be safe. It's VERY IMPORTANT that your mother keep her blood pressure controlled. Good luck!

@@cardiacsurgerypatienteduca2445 oh thank you doxtor for your reply!She has her blood pressure under control! I mean she is on the pill and if it’s reaches above 13,5 and 9 she takes an extra one ! So for the moment she is ok but is this thing a ticking bomb in chest?

See above

@@cardiacsurgerypatienteduca2445 sorry about the double post. Some error on my part!

Sorry for the delay in responding. Yes, this surgery can be done minimally invasively. Please look into doctors in your area that can do that. You may have to go to a center that is a little farther from where you live. Take care.

Hi, I appreciate your question. You are at very low risk given your ascending aorta is very small at 3.8cm. Please keep your blood pressure well controlled and have your aneurysm followed by a medical professional.

Sorry for the delay in responding. I'm not sure what rod you are referring to. I suspect you mean an IV line? Either way, please review this with your surgeon so that you can get clarification. Good Luck!

A 3.5cm aneurysm is very small. I do not think you will require surgery but continue to have it followed and monitor your blood pressure. Good Luck.

Hi, Sorry for the delay in responding. To address your questions. 1. A bovine valve will usually need to replaced in 10-15 years. 2. In general, if you are compliant with your medications and following up with your doctors, you should have a normal life expectancy. Of course, as you know, its not as easy as most people think to be compliant. 3. I wouldn't worry about the need for a kidney transplant, I would be focused on keeping your blood pressure controlled.

Hi, Sorry for the delay in responding. Isolated Aortic arch aneurysms are relatively rare however in the proper surgical hands, there are very good surgical outcomes. Please do your research or ask your medical professionals. Good luck.

Hi, I appreciate the question. First, as of right now, your husband does not have an indication to have surgery now. His 5cm aneurysm doesn't meet the 5.5cm aneurysm. His moderate aortic stenosis does not meet criteria for surgery. Now, his bicuspid aortic valve does put him at a higher risk of the aneurysm growing and potentially an aortic dissection. I would STRONGLY recommend that your husband gets seen by a very experienced cardiac surgeon. The subarachnoid hemorrhage puts him at a higher risk for intracranial bleed but if there is enough time between the diagnosis and surgery, the risks goes down. The severe COPD is another concern for possibly not extubating after surgery. Your husband needs several consultants (Neurologists, Pulmonologist, cardiac surgeon) to optimize his condition and make him a better candidate for surgery. I would not give up on your husband. Finally, I would ask your husband to please speak to his doctor and get the consults that you need. Please contact me directly through my website for referrals for experienced cardiac surgeons in your area.

Sorry for the delay in responding. There are NO PERCUTANEOUS or "closed surgery" for ascending aortic aneurysms. By closed I suspect you mean that the chest isn't opened. There is a "closed surgery" for Descending aortic aneurysms. In those cases, stents are placed. I hope that answers your question. I strongly recommend you get a very EXPERIENCED heart surgeon to follow you BUT you will not need surgery for many years if at all. Good Luck.

Thank you for the nice comments. As you stated it's difficult to predict but I would say that it's possible that you may not require surgery. There are patients that have no growth in aortic root aneurysms but it will depend on (1) blood pressure control, (2) genetics, and (3) luck. You need aggressive blood pressure management, strict surveillance with CT scans of the chest and echocardiograms, and a consult with a cardiac surgeon who specializes in aortic root surgery. I wish you the best!

Sorry for the delay in responding. First, the recommended size for repair is still 5.5cm unless you are having open heart surgery for some other reason and then I would repair it then. Second, I would strongly recommend aggressive blood pressure control. Third, get a well experienced heart surgeon who specializes in aortic surgery to follow along. Fourth, I hope you never need the surgery however you are so young if you live another 40 years, the aneurysm could get bigger. Finally, you can lift and play with your kids. I would stay away from power weight lifting. Don't live as though you have to greatly alter your lifestyle. Most importantly, keep your blood pressure controlled. Good luck!

@@cardiacsurgerypatienteduca2445 Thank You very much

Hi, you have some very good questions. I personally don't know the exact numbers but in my personal experience aneurysms are more common in men than women. At 4.1cm, your aneurysm is very small. At that size you would only need monitoring and no surgery. Regarding your question, most aneurysms can be formed by a (1) genetic cause, (2) high blood pressure, or possibly bad luck. These are the reasons that all patients get aneurysms not just women.