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Question:
Are there treatments for an ectatic aorta besides surgery?
submitted by Francis from Oxnard, California on 12/21/2012
Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute cardiovascular surgeon, Joseph S. Coselli, MD
Happy to answer your question. There are a great number of ramifications concerning the entire aorta when one uses the term, "ectatic aorta". The statement here is not entirely clear as to what part of the aorta is involved. There are some portions of the aorta that can be managed without surgery, simply with medication and observation. In others, an endovascular stent graft can be used. There are some portions of the aorta, however, that still require surgery. This is particularly appropriate for the part of the aorta arising at the aortic valve. This is referred to as the aortic root. In general, if the ectasia is large enough to be aneurysmal and/or there is valvular leakage, or a blockage through the valve, operation becomes necessary. The term ectatic aorta generally refers to an enlarged aorta that is not an aneurysm, and, in general, does not need operative therapy. I very much would appreciate more specific information as to exactly the size and location of the aorta in order to give you a full, more robust answer to your question.
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Updated January 2013
