Care for Aneurysms
Fast care saved his life – When James Zimmerman of Topton, Pa., arrived in the ER, Judy Post, R.N., worked quickly to determine he had an aortic aneurysm. Minutes later, Zimmerman was in surgery. Today, he’s healthy and enjoying life.
A thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of the aorta, the largest artery in the body. The aorta extends upward from the heart, then curves like a candy cane downward through the chest and abdomen. It delivers oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the entire body.
Most people experience no symptoms from a thoracic aortic aneurysm. Symptoms you do experience depend on the location of the aneurysm along the aorta. If the aneurysm is located on the section of the aorta that ascends from your heart, you may experience pain or swelling in the chest and neck. If the aneurysm is located on the section that descends through your chest, you may experience wheezing, coughing, or pain in the chest or back.
Diagnosis
We offer several tests to diagnose a thoracic aortic aneurysm. Our experienced, knowledgeable and caring staff uses state-of-the-art technology and equipment for all of these tests:
- Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- CT Scan
- Echocardiogram (Echo)
- Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
Treatment
If diagnostic tests determine your aneurysm is not in immediate danger of bursting or rupturing, your doctor may schedule periodic tests to make sure it is not growing. Medications also may be used to prevent it from getting larger. If tests determine you need a procedure to repair a thoracic aortic aneurysm, you’ll get the care you need at Lehigh Valley Health Network. We are the third largest heart program in Pennsylvania and are recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” for heart care and heart surgery.
We offer these treatments to repair a thoracic aortic aneurysm:
This page last updated 12/22/08 10:39 AM
