About Ascending Aorta Replacement
Key Highlights
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Life-saving intervention for dangerous aortic conditions like aneurysms and dissections.Eliminates the risk of aortic rupture, a leading cause of sudden cardiac death.Restores normal blood flow from the heart to the brain and body.Performed by specialized vascular or cardiothoracic surgeons with extensive expertise.Utilizes durable synthetic grafts designed to last a lifetime.Can be combined with aortic valve repair or replacement if needed./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Ascending Aortic Aneurysm (enlargement >5.5 cm or rapid growth).
- Acute Type A Aortic Dissection (a tear in the inner lining).
- Penetrating Aortic Ulcer or Intramural Hematoma in the ascending aorta.
- Traumatic injury to the ascending aorta.
- Infected (mycotic) aneurysm of the ascending aorta.
- Severe aortic valve disease requiring combined surgery (like a Bentall procedure).
- Genetic connective tissue disorders (e.g., Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, Ehlers-Danlos syndromes) with aortic enlargement.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive pre-operative evaluation including CT angiography or MRI of the aorta.
- Cardiac assessment with echocardiogram and possibly coronary angiography.
- Blood tests, chest X-ray, and pulmonary function tests.
- Consultation with the surgical, anesthesia, and critical care teams.
- Management of blood pressure and other cardiac medications as advised.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before surgery.
- Informed consent process detailing the risks, benefits, and alternatives.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding requiring transfusion or re-operation.
- Stroke or temporary neurological impairment.
- Heart attack, irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), or heart failure.
- Infection of the surgical site, sternum, or graft.
- Kidney injury, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions.
- Respiratory complications like pneumonia.
- Blood clots leading to deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
- Graft-related complications (e.g., leakage, infection) or future aneurysm formation.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial 1-2 days in the Cardiac ICU for close monitoring of heart, lungs, and blood pressure.
- Progressive mobilization with physical therapy starting soon after surgery.
- Pain management with medications; sternal precautions (no heavy lifting/pushing/pulling >5 kg for 6-8 weeks).
- Wound care for the chest incision and any drainage tube sites.
- Lifelong blood pressure control with medications (typically beta-blockers).
- Regular follow-up imaging (CT scans) to monitor the repaired aorta.
- Cardiac rehabilitation program to regain strength and endurance.
- Gradual return to normal activities over 2-3 months, with full recovery taking up to 6 months.
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Typical hospital stay: 7-14 days
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Expected recovery time: 8-12 weeks for initial recovery; 6 months for full recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering ascending aorta replacement in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for ascending aorta replacement in Turkey include Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv, VM Medical Park Pendik Hastanesi, Medical Park Florya, Medical Park Bahçelievler, Liv Hospital Ankara, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform ascending aorta replacement. MediFyr helps you compare vascular surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for ascending aorta replacement compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Ascending Aorta Replacement in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated vascular surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing ascending aorta replacement.
Aadya Khan, a 58-year-old high school...
Aadya Khan, a 58-year-old high school principal and mother of three, had always been the picture of health. Her life was a whirlwind of managing a busy school and an active family. The first sign of trouble was a sudden, sharp, tearing pain in her chest and back during a parent-teacher conference. Rushed to the ER, a CT angiogram revealed a 5.2 cm ascending aortic aneurysm. Her vascular surgeon, Dr. Chen, explained that due to the aneurysm's size and her ongoing hypertension, the risk of a life-threatening dissection was high. He recommended an urgent ascending aorta replacement. Terrified but pragmatic, Aadya underwent the open-heart surgery. The immediate post-op period in the ICU was daunting, filled with pain and disorientation. However, guided by a dedicated cardiac rehab team, she slowly regained her strength over three months. Her emotional journey was from fear of leaving her family and career unfinished to immense gratitude for a second chance. She returned to work part-time after six months, with a renewed focus on stress management and cherishing quiet moments with her family.