Lynne asks:
I was diagnosed with an ascending aortic anuerysm 15 years ago. I also have a bi-cuspid aotic valve. I have had no symptoms indicating trouble except I developed high blood pressure last year for which I am now medicated. Should I be getting a second opinion concerning surgery? At what size anuerysm is surgery recommended?

Dr. Thomas Gleason responds:
Yes, I would recommend having a thoracic aortic surgeon review the films. I, or another member of the Complex Aortic Surgery Program at Penn, would be happy to see you and go over indications for surgery, and make plans as appropriate. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-789-PENN or use the online appointment request form.

Susan asks:
A very dear friend of mine had this surgery almost 4 weeks ago. He is on the ventilator, kidney machine and a trach. How long should we expect him to be on these machines?? Thank you.

Dr. Thomas Gleason responds:
Unfortunately, without reviewing his medical records, I am not able to comment on how long your friend will be supported by the machines.

Susan asks:
I have a strong family history of cerebral aneurysms -2 sisters died from this. Am I at risk to form aneurysms in other parts of my body?

Dr. Thomas Gleason responds:
In some kindreds there may be an association between cerebral aneurysms and aneurysms elsewhere, but without a history or family history of aortic disease this would be somewhat unusual. Evaluation by a cardiologist may be a reasonable place to start.

Nancy asks:
How long does the procedure take if you are only repairing the aorta and not the value? Doing both the program said takes 5 hours. Thank you.

Dr. Alberto Pochettino responds:
Depending on the type of aortic repair, leaving the valve "alone" may take close to the same time. In fact some techniques of aortic replacement with "valve sparing" may take longer than replacing the entire root with the aortic valve.

Mary asks:
My friend has had this surgery. After the inital surgery he had internal bleeding and required more surgery. How long of a recovery period should be expected? Thank you for a most informative program.

Dr. Alberto Pochettino responds:
Recovery time from aortic root replacement, with or without aortic arch replacement is very similar to any other cardiac surgical procedure. Re-exploration for bleeding usually does not increase the recovery time. Usually it takes 4-6 weeks to resume most activities and up to 12 weeks before wound healing is complete with return to full time work.