Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition caused by a tear in the inner layer of the body’s main artery, the aorta. The dissection can cause the blood pumped from the heart to leak between the layers of the aorta, which may eventually lead to rupture of the aorta, causing heavy internal bleeding.
The cardiologist decides the treatment plan for the aortic dissection depending on the location of the dissection on the aorta. If the dissection is on the descending aorta, it can be corrected with medication as well. However, immediate open-heart surgery is needed if the dissection is on the aortic arch or the ascending aorta.
During the surgery, the surgeon makes an incision in the chest to access the aorta. The damaged part of the aorta is replaced with an artificial graft, and the aortic valve may also be repaired or replaced if necessary.
Since it is a major surgery, it also comes with complications like stroke, heart attack, lung infections, and bleeding. It would usually take around 2-3 months for patients to fully recover from the surgery and resume their normal lives.
Mr. Dhanunjay from Hyderabad successfully underwent Aortic Dissection Repair at Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, under the supervision of Dr. Vikram Reddy, Senior Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon.