The treatment depends on the location of the aneurysm.
For patients with aneurysms of the ascending aorta or aortic arch, surgery to replace the aorta is recommended if the diameter of the aorta measures greater than 5-6 cm. The aorta is replaced with a fabric substitute in an operation that uses a heart-lung machine. If the aortic arch is involved, a specialized technique called "circulatory arrest" -- a period without blood circulation while on life support -- may be necessary.
For patients with aneurysms of the descending thoracic aorta, two options are available. For patients with aneurysms that are larger than 6 cm, an operation for replacement of the aorta with a fabric substitute can be done, or the aorta can be stented.
Stenting involves the use of a tube placed inside the vessel and can be performed without a chest incision, with specialized catheters that are introduced through arteries at the groin. Not all patients with descending thoracic aneurysms are candidates for stenting, however.
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