Aortic Root and Arch Surgery in Dubai

Aortic Root and Arch Surgery is a procedure to repair or replace the aortic root and/or aortic arch. The aortic root is the base of the aorta, where it connects to the heart. The aortic arch is the curved part of the aorta that carries blood up to the head and neck.

Aortic root and arch surgery may be necessary to treat a number of conditions, including:

• Aortic aneurysms: Aortic aneurysms are weak spots in the wall of the aorta that can bulge and rupture. Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition in which the inner layer of the aorta tears and blood flows between the layers of the aorta.
• Aortic valve disease: Aortic valve disease can cause the aortic valve to leak or narrow, making it difficult for blood to flow through the valve.
• Aortic conditions related to connective tissue disorders: Connective tissue disorders, such as Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, can weaken the aorta and make it more prone to aneurysms and dissections.

Types of aortic root and arch surgery

There are two main types of aortic root and arch surgery:

• Open aortic root and arch surgery: In open aortic root and arch surgery, the surgeon makes a large incision down the center of the chest to access the heart and aorta.
• Minimally invasive aortic root and arch surgery: Minimally invasive aortic root and arch surgery uses smaller incisions and robotic technology to perform the surgery.

Minimally invasive aortic root and arch surgery is becoming more common, as it offers a number of benefits over open surgery, including less pain, faster recovery, and reduced risk of complications.

How is aortic root and arch surgery performed?

The specific steps involved in aortic root and arch surgery will vary depending on the type of surgery being performed and the patient’s individual anatomy. However, in general, the surgery involves the following steps:

1. The patient is placed under general anesthesia and placed on a ventilator.
2. The surgeon makes one or more incisions in the chest.
3. The surgeon opens the chest and accesses the heart and aorta.
4. The surgeon removes the diseased section of the aorta and replaces it with a graft, which is a man-made tube.
5. The surgeon repairs or replaces the aortic valve, if necessary.
6. The surgeon closes the chest and incisions.

What are the risks and complications of aortic root and arch surgery?

Aortic root and arch surgery is a major surgery, and there are some risks and complications associated with it. These risks and complications include:

• Bleeding: Bleeding is a potential risk of any surgery.
• Infection: Infection is also a potential risk of any surgery.
• Heart attack: Heart attack is a rare but serious complication of cardiac surgery.
• Stroke: Stroke is another rare but serious complication of cardiac surgery.
• Damage to other organs: There is a small risk of damaging other organs, such as the lungs or esophagus, during cardiac surgery.
• Paralysis of the vocal cords: This is a rare but serious complication of aortic arch surgery.

Recovery from aortic root and arch surgery

Recovery from aortic root and arch surgery typically takes several weeks. Most patients are able to go home from the hospital within 5 to 7 days of surgery. However, it may take several months for patients to fully recover from their surgery.

During the recovery period, it is important for patients to get plenty of rest and follow their doctor’s instructions carefully. Patients should also avoid strenuous activity and lifting heavy objects.

Aortic root and arch surgery is a major surgery, but it can be a life-saving procedure for patients with aortic aneurysms, aortic valve disease, and other aortic conditions. Minimally invasive aortic root and arch surgery is becoming more common, as it offers a number of benefits over open surgery.