What is acute aortic dissection?

Aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection An aortic dissection is a serious condition in which a tear occurs in the inner layer of the body’s main artery (aorta). Blood rushes through the tear, causing the inner and middle layers of the aorta to split (dissect).

What is the survival rate for aortic dissection?

Short-term and long-term survival rates after acute type A aortic dissection (TA-AAD) are unknown. Previous studies have reported survival rates between 52% and 94% at 1 year and between 45% and 88% at 5 years.

What is the main cause of aortic dissection?

Aortic dissection most often happens because of a tear or damage to the inner wall of the aorta. This very often occurs in the chest (thoracic) part of the artery, but it may also occur in the abdominal aorta. When a tear occurs, it creates 2 channels: One in which blood continues to travel.

Can you survive acute aortic dissection?

Aortic dissection can be a life-threatening event. People who have acute aortic dissection (sudden onset, Type A) have a high death rate. On average, 15% to 30% of people die after reaching the emergency room even after surgery.

What’s the difference between an aortic aneurysm and an aortic dissection?

An aneurysm that bleeds into the brain can lead to stroke or death. Aortic dissection occurs when the layers of the wall of the aorta separate or are torn, allowing blood to flow between those layers and causing them to separate further.

Can you have an aortic dissection and not know it?

Symptoms of chronic aortic dissection persist beyond 14 days of the initial event, when the first signs of dissection may be noticed. These symptoms can include abdominal, back, or chest pain. There also may be no symptoms.

How long does aortic dissection surgery take?

A typical open-heart procedure takes from 4 to 6 hours, in some cases up to 8 hours; patients are then maintained under general anesthesia for an additional 4 to 6 hours.

How long do you live after aortic aneurysm surgery?

The study found that short-term crude, or actual, survival rates improved among patients who underwent surgery to repair a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. The relative survival rate held steady at about 87 percent. On average, patients who underwent repair for a ruptured aneurysm lived 5.4 years after surgery.

How can you prevent aortic dissection?

You can reduce your risk of aortic dissection by making lifestyle changes that include monitoring and controlling your blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and wearing a seatbelt while in a car.