A descending thoracic aortic aneurysm is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of the aorta, in the part that runs downward through the chest (thorax).
A thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm is one that is located in the area where the aorta crosses between the chest and abdomen.
At the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute, cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons have expertise in treating these types of aneurysms.
The aorta — the largest artery in the body — carries all the blood that is pumped out of the heart.
Approximately 15,000 Americans are diagnosed with thoracic aneurysms (TAA) each year. Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) are less common.
TAAs and TAAAs are serious health risks because they can burst or rupture, causing severe internal bleeding that can rapidly lead to shock or death.
The larger the aneurysm, or the faster it grows, the more likely it is to rupture.
The risk of rupture increases when the aneurysm is larger than about twice the normal diameter of a healthy aorta blood vessel.
At the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute's Center for Aortic Disease, our multidisciplinary approach to care offers patients many benefits.
To refer a patient, contact the UPMC Center for Aortic Disease.
Descending thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) often go unnoticed, yet early diagnosis is critical to managing these conditions.
Only half of all people with TAAs and TAAAs complain of symptoms, which can include:
If your doctor at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute suspects a TAA or TAAA, you'll need to undergo a thorough physical exam and evaluation.
Following your exam, your doctor may order additional tests and procedures to help confirm the presence and size of the thoracic aneurysm.
These diagnostic tests may include:
Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to expect your test results and will call you when they're available.
To refer a patient, contact the UPMC Center for Aortic Disease.
The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute's Center for Aortic Disease offers a full range of state-of-the-art aneurysm treatment strategies for thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) caused by:
Aneurysm treatment depends on its size and location and your overall health.
If your aneurysm is small and not causing symptoms, your doctor may choose to monitor your condition. Surgeons consider aneurysm repair surgery when the TAA or TAAA becomes large.
Open aneurysm repair - A surgeon makes an incision in your chest and replaces the weakened portion of the aorta with a fabric tube, called a graft.
The surgeon may either repair or bypass vessels, if the aneurysm involves important branches of the aorta.
Endovascular procedures - Less invasive endovascular stent graft uses long, thin tubes (called catheters) inserted through small incisions in your groin.
A thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) is an enlargement in the aorta, occuring in the descending aorta, and located in the chest and abdomen. Extent I TAAA repairs use a synthetic graft to replace the majority of the descending thoracic aorta and the upper abdominal aorta.
A thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) is an enlargement in the aorta, occuring in the descending aorta, and located in the chest and abdomen. Extent II TAAA repair uses a synthetic graft to replace the entire length of the thoracoabdominal aorta.
Cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute offer treatment for descending TAAs and TAAAs.
At our Center for Aortic Disease, patients have immediate access to state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment strategies, including:
To refer a patient, contact the UPMC Center for Aortic Disease.
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