Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection Repair

Clinical Services: Cardiothoracic Surgery (Heart Surgery)

Upper East Side
525 East 68th Street, M-404
New York, NY 10065

Mon-Fri 09:00am - 05:00pm

Get Directions

Fax

646-962-0108

Call

(212) 746-5166

North Queens
56-45 Main Street, 3S – Room 387
Flushing, NY 11355

Mon-Fri 09:00am - 05:00pm

Get Directions

Fax

718-670-1188

Call

718-670-1137

Northwest Brooklyn
263 7th Avenue, Suite 4H
Brooklyn, NY 11215

Mon-Fri 09:00am - 05:00pm

Get Directions

Fax

718-780-6701

Call

212-746-5155

An aortic aneurysm is an enlargement or dilatation of the aorta, the body’s major blood vessel responsible for carrying blood to the entire body. Aortic aneurysms tend to grow slowly. If the aorta becomes too large, it may be at higher risk for rupturing (bursting) or tearing (aortic dissection), requiring surgery to repair it.

Aortic aneurysms are frequently detected during routine medical exams, as well as a chest X-ray or an ultrasound of the heart or abdomen. Once an aneurysm has been identified, the condition is assessed to determine if surgery is necessary. If not, the condition is closely monitored.

Surgical expertise at Weill Cornell Medicine

The heart surgeons at Weill Cornell Medicine have extraordinary expertise and experience in repairing aortic aneurysms. In fact, we have one of the largest aortic surgery centers in the region and country.

We have extensive experience repairing aneurysms of the entire aorta, including:

● Aortic root

● Ascending aorta

● Aortic arch

● Descending thoracic aorta

● Thoracoabdominal aorta

● Abdominal aorta

Weill Cornell Medicine is unique in that it successfully performs all of these types of surgery on a routine basis. We have some of the lowest complication rates in the world.

While most hospitals perform less than 20 thoracic aortic aneurysm repairs per year, our team typically repairs 140 per year. This places us between the 98 and 99th percentile nationally for the number of procedures performed annually.

Minimally invasive surgical options

We offer minimally invasive, endovascular stent grafting (TEVAR) for aneurysm repair. This is an excellent alternative to traditional, open-heart surgery to repair many aneurysms of the thoracic aorta.

Our surgeons thread a catheter into the aorta through an artery in the groin. A stent is guided through the catheter and placed at the site of the aneurysm, where it is opened and excludes the aneurysm from the rest of the aorta. Learn more about minimally invasive heart surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine.

Aortic valve-sparing aneurysm repair: Our surgeons perform a large number of aortic valve-sparing aneurysm repairs, a procedure that allows patients to keep their own valve instead of replacing it with a prosthetic valve. This can provide a durable, life-long solution to aortic valve problems that helps avoid future operations or treatment with blood thinners.

We have had a 0% mortality associated with this operation for over 15 years and 99% of those repaired using our current technique have not needed additional aortic valve surgery.

Why choose us?

● Our record of excellent outcomes—among the best in the nation—with very low rate of complications

● Expertise in operating on patients with other health problems (such as diabetes, kidney problems, or others) and those who are elderly

● Collaboration with other specialists (such as interventional radiologists and anesthesiologists) to provide seamless, high-quality care

● Access to world-class diagnostic imaging

● We focus on treating the patient as a whole, employing a comprehensive approach

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FAQ

I am interested in participating in a clinical trial for cardiac conditions. Where can I learn about the current trials at Weill Cornell Medicine?

Learn about our many current trials open to patient participation.

I would like to learn more about my specific condition and treatment options. Which resources do you recommend?

We recommend visiting the Weill Cornell Medicine Cardiothoracic Department website, as well as the American Heart Association.

What happens after I schedule my heart surgery?

Once you and your care team decide that surgery is the best treatment plan for your condition, you will schedule a pre-surgical appointment, which takes place at M404.

What happens during the pre-surgical appointment?

During your pre-surgical appointment:

Your nurse practitioner will explain what you can expect for your specific surgery and hospital stay
Your nurse practitioner will review your current medications
You will sign a consent form for the surgery and potential blood transfusion (Please note: Most patients do not receive blood transfusions during surgery, but we are required to have you sign this consent form, just in case you do need a transfusion and are not awake at the time to give your consent. ALL blood is stringently tested for HIV, hepatitis, and cytomegalovirus.)
You have the opportunity to ask questions
You will receive a small bottle of antibacterial soap

This process generally takes two to three hours.

What do I need to do to prepare for the surgery?

You will be given instructions as to which medications you should stop taking to prepare for surgery.

On the night before your surgery, shower using half of the bottle of antibacterial soap. On the morning of the surgery, before you come to the hospital, shower using the rest of the soap.

Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before your surgery. You may take your medications that the nurse practitioner approved you to take the morning of surgery, with just a small sip of water.

Where should I park for my surgery?

Parking is available in front of the 68th Street circular entrance to the hospital. There are also several parking garages in the immediate area.

Parking is only validated on the day of your hospital discharge, not on the day of your pre-surgical appointment.

What should I bring for my surgery?

Please be sure to bring you:

Insurance card(s)
Toiletries
Pajamas, robe, and slippers

Generally try not to bring too much to the hospital, because you probably won't use a lot of these things and will just have to carry them home.

Please do not bring any jewelry or expensive electronics with you for the first hospital day. Your family and friends are welcome to bring those items once you are awake and in your room.

Where should I go to check in for the surgery?

Please check in at Greenberg 3-West (Same-Day Surgery Unit), which is on the third floor of the Greenberg Pavilion, using the "G" elevators.

If you are the first case, please check in at 6 AM. If you are the second case, please check in at 10 AM.

How long does surgery usually take?

The usual length of the actual cardiac surgery is about three and a half to four hours. However, the total length of time your family member will spend in the operating room is longer. Much of that "extra time" is spent preparing you for surgery and getting you ready to go to the recovery room (PACU) or ICU following surgery.

Where should my friends and family members wait during the surgery?

During your surgery, your family and friends should wait in the Ronald O. Perelman Heart Institute Atrium. Please tell them to check in at the front desk so that they can be contacted when your surgeon calls.

If the Ronald O. Perelman Heart Institute Atrium is closed at the time of your surgery, your family and friends may wait in the smaller waiting area right outside the Cardiothoracic ICU (4-West).

There is also a café on the first floor of the hospital, directly opposite the information desk and down the hall from the front door on the left, which is open at all times. This café sells coffee, tea, and a variety of food.

Where can I learn more information about heart surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine?

Please download our extensive Guide to Surgery.

I have questions about my insurance coverage. Who should I contact?

Please see Insurance Questionsor call (212) 746-5161.