Descending Thoracic and Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms Overview
A descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of the aorta, in the part that runs downward through the chest (thorax).
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 each year.
A thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) is one that is located in the area where the aorta crosses between the chest and abdomen. This type of aneurysm is less common than a thoracic aortic aneurysm.
Complications of TAAs and TAAAs
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.
UPMC's multidisciplinary approach
At UPMC, treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms is handled by experts from either the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery or the Division of Vascular Surgery.
What distinguishes our program?
- Our multidisciplinary approach — integrated care designed so you can undergo a comprehensive evaluation at one location, instead of consulting many different specialists to address the various aspects of your disease.
- Our surgeons — actively involved in ongoing cardiovascular research to advance patient care and form new strategies to better manage thoracic aortic disease.
- Our minimally invasive procedures — such as endovascular thoracic aortic repairs using stent grafts, as well as aortic root reconstructions that preserve the aortic valve.
Diagnosing Descending Thoracic and Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Descending thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) often go unnoticed, yet early diagnosis is critical to managing the condition.
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.
Symptoms of TAAs and TAAAs
Only half of all patients with TAAs and TAAAs complain of symptoms, which can include:
- Jaw pain
- Back pain
- Shortness of breath
Testing for TAAs and TAAAs
If your doctor 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 aneurysm.
These tests may include:
Testing results
Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to expect your test results and will call you when they're available.
Descending Thoracic Aortic and Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Treatment
UPMC 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 aneurysm becomes large.
Procedures for treating TAAs and TAAAs
| 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
- Repairs or bypasses vessels, if aneurysm involves important branches of the aorta
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| Endovascular procedures |
- Less invasive endovascular stent graft uses long, thin tubes — called catheters — inserted through small incisions in your groin
- Can be used depending on location and shape of the aneurysm
- Once in place, blood flows through the stent-graft instead of into the aneurysm, eliminating the chance of rupture
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Our aneurysm treatment experience
Cardiothoracic surgeons from the Center for Thoracic Aortic Disease and vascular surgeons from the Division of Vascular Surgery offer treatment for descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.
Learn more about heart and vascular treatments at UPMC.