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Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

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Get answers to your Aortic Valve Surgery questions.

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Note: This is for informational purposes only. Doctors cannot provide a diagnosis or individual treatment advice via e-mail. Please consult your physician about your specific health care concerns.

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Aortic dissection - Treatment

Alternative Names

Aortic aneurysm - dissecting

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to prevent complications. Hospitalization is required.

Type A aortic dissections require surgery to repair the aorta. Type B aortic dissections may be treated with medication.

Drugs that lower blood pressure may be prescribed. These drugs may be given through a vein (intravenously). Strong pain relievers are usually needed. Heart medications such as beta-blockers may reduce some of the symptoms.

Surgery to repair or replace the damaged section of aorta can cure the condition in some cases. If the aortic valve is damaged, valve replacement is necessary. If the heart arteries are involved, a coronary bypass is also performed.

Expectations (prognosis):

Aortic dissection is life threatening. The condition can be cured with surgery if it is done before the aorta ruptures. Less than half of patients with ruptured aorta survive.

Complications:

Calling your health care provider:

If you have symptoms of aortic dissection or severe chest pain, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the emergency room as quickly as possible.

  • Reviewed last on: 12/12/2008
  • A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Alan Berger, MD, Assistant Professor, Divisions of Cardiology and Epidemiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN. Review provided byVeriMed Healthcare Network (5/12/2008).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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