Aortic aneurysms can occur as a result of atherosclerotic disease, infection,
degenerative change or an inherited condition such as Marfan's Syndrome. These
abnormal dilations or enlargement in the wall of the aorta (the main blood
vessel leading away from the heart) are progressive and develop the risk of
rupture over time. Treatment involves aggressive control of hypertension and
eventual surgical management with graft replacement or repair.
Traditional treatment of diseases of the thoracic aorta has involved high-risk
surgery requiring a large incision in the chest to place a synthetic graft
to repair the diseased artery. This method can result in long hospital stays
and painful recoveries.
Today, with the use of the Gore-TAG Thoracic Stent Graft, the 1st FDA approved
device for this use, PCTA surgeons are able to effectively treat this lethal
condition without the need for more invasive surgeries in many patients. Patients
frequently are discharged home in 1-2 days and can resume full activities within
several weeks after the procedure.
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