The aorta is the largest artery in the body, extending from the heart through the chest and abdomen and then dividing into two vessels in the pelvis. Weakening in the wall of the aorta may cause an abnormal bulge in the aortic wall called an aneurysm. Aortic aneurysms pose the risk of rupture with massive internal bleeding and death. This risk is directly related to the size of the aneurysm.
Aortic aneurysms most commonly involve the abdominal aorta but they also occur within the chest (thoracic aorta). The appropriate treatment depends on the size and location of the aneurysm. If operative intervention is indicated, both conventional open surgical techniques and less invasive endovascular techniques are available. We carefully evaluate each patient to determine the best approach.
For additional information click on this link:
http://www.sts.org/sections/patientinformation/aneurysmsurgery/aorticaneurysms/