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Attacking Thoracic Aneurysms Without Major Surgery

Newly approved procedure offers less risk for patients

Sixty-year old James Smith felt his life was in good shape. He had raised a family of six and was just beginning to enjoy the “retired life” with his wife. His health seemed to be doing fine as well. Other than moderately high blood pressure, he rarely had to visit his doctor. What Smith didn’t know, however, was that an aneurysm had been growing in his chest for several years on his aorta, the main artery that carries blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. It wasn’t until Smith had a routine CT scan that his condition was discovered.

Like a bulge in a water hose about to burst, Smith’s aneurysm was slowly but steadily expanding. If it ruptured the result would be internal bleeding and, most likely, death. Immediate treatment was necessary but the last thing Smith wanted was to worry about a major operation and unwanted side effects.

Today, patients like James Smith can take advantage of a safer, less invasive alternative to open surgery for their aneurysms. A new FDA-approved device that enables thoracic aortic aneurysms to be repaired easier and with less risk to the patient can be performed.

Dr. John Blebea, Chief of Vascular Surgery at Temple University Hospital and Professor of Surgery at Temple University School of Medicine, is certified to perform this new procedure, which involves using a catheter to carry a tube-shaped stent-graft called a GORE TAG endograft to the area of the aortic aneurysm. The stent then seals the weakened area of the blood vessel.

The new device dramatically reduces complications that are often associated with traditional surgery. Unlike the new procedure, traditional treatment requires long hospital stays and often-painful recoveries due to the incision in the chest and surgical dissection to replace the aneurysm. Patients also have a risk for major blood loss, pneumonia, and paralysis. Moreover, many patients with complex pre-existing conditions cannot even endure the invasive surgery.

“This breakthrough device is a lot easier on the patient. It involves sealing off the aneurysm by placing an artificial graft or implant inside of the diseased aorta, re-lining and making a new path for blood flow,” says Blebea. “The device can be precisely positioned in the diseased area through a small incision made in the patient’s groin.”

According to Blebea, a patient can be home in 24 hours and can return to normal activity in half the time they would with open surgical treatment. With the traditional procedure, patients could typically expect a five-day hospital stay.

“Use of this technology may be expanded to manage a variety of challenging aortic diseases, offering new hope for improved results over the current treatment,” says Blebea.

The GORE TAG device remains in the aorta permanently through use of a metal stent, creating a tight fit and seal against the wall of the aorta.

“Once you’ve got this stent-graft in, you have excellent protection from rupture of the aneurysm” says Blebea.

People at greatest risk for having a thoracic aortic aneurysm are those who smoke, have high blood pressure, diabetes, and a family history of aneurysms. The 15,000 people that are diagnosed each year with such an aortic aneurysm represent only one fourth of everyone actually living with one. Regular screenings for people at risk is key in identifying and treating aneurysms early, before they rupture.

For more information on Gore TAG Thoracic Endoprosthesis surgery or to schedule an appointment, please visit the Department of Surgery, Section of Vascular Surgery website at:

www.temple.edu/medicine/departments_centers/clinical_departments/surgery_vascular.htm

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Temple University Health Systems Capsule, February 24, 2006

Contact Information:

Office of News Communications
Eryn Jelesiewicz, Director
Phone: (215) 707-0730
Fax: (215) 707-2940
eryn.jelesiewicz@temple.edu