What are the best treatments for Aortic Dissection?

See the best treatments for Aortic Dissection here

Treatments for Aortic Dissection

Aortic dissection is a serious medical condition that occurs when there is a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, the large blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. This tear can cause blood to flow between the layers of the aortic wall, leading to potentially life-threatening complications. Prompt and appropriate treatment is crucial to improve outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.

1. Medications: Medications are often the first line of treatment for aortic dissection. The primary goal is to reduce blood pressure and heart rate to minimize stress on the aorta and prevent further tearing. Medications such as beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers are commonly prescribed to achieve this. These medications help relax the blood vessels and reduce the force of the heartbeat, thereby reducing the risk of further tearing.

2. Surgery: Surgery is often necessary to repair the torn aorta and prevent further complications. The type of surgery performed depends on the location and extent of the dissection. In some cases, open-heart surgery may be required to replace the damaged portion of the aorta with a synthetic graft. This procedure is known as aortic graft replacement. Another surgical option is endovascular repair, which involves inserting a stent graft through a small incision in the groin and guiding it to the site of the tear to reinforce the weakened aortic wall.

3. Blood Pressure Control: Maintaining strict blood pressure control is crucial in the management of aortic dissection. This can be achieved through a combination of medications and lifestyle modifications. Medications, as mentioned earlier, help lower blood pressure. Lifestyle modifications include reducing salt intake, avoiding strenuous physical activities, and managing stress. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is essential to ensure it remains within the target range.

4. Pain Management: Aortic dissection can cause severe chest or back pain. Pain management is an important aspect of treatment to provide relief and improve the patient's comfort. Medications such as opioids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to alleviate pain. However, caution must be exercised with the use of NSAIDs as they can increase the risk of further bleeding.

5. Close Monitoring: After initial treatment, close monitoring is necessary to assess the progress of the condition and detect any potential complications. Regular follow-up visits with a healthcare provider are essential to monitor blood pressure, evaluate the effectiveness of medications, and identify any signs of disease progression. Imaging tests, such as CT scans or MRIs, may be performed periodically to assess the aortic wall and detect any changes.

6. Lifestyle Modifications: Adopting a healthy lifestyle is crucial for individuals with aortic dissection. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity (as advised by the healthcare provider), quitting smoking, and managing stress. These lifestyle modifications can help reduce the risk of further cardiovascular complications and improve overall health.

7. Genetic Counseling: In some cases, aortic dissection may be associated with genetic conditions such as Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Genetic counseling may be recommended for individuals with aortic dissection to assess the risk of these conditions in themselves and their family members. Identifying the underlying genetic cause can help guide treatment decisions and preventive measures.

Conclusion: Aortic dissection is a serious medical condition that requires prompt and appropriate treatment. Medications, surgery, blood pressure control, pain management, close monitoring, lifestyle modifications, and genetic counseling are all important aspects of the treatment plan. It is crucial for individuals with aortic dissection to work closely with their healthcare providers to ensure optimal management and reduce the risk of complications.

Diseasemaps

For type A in the ascending aorta closest to the heart - it is surgery. For abdominal dissections medication and treatment in intensive care can be enough, or that in compbination with endovascular repair can be sufficient.

Posted Mar 29, 2017 by Timo Söderlund 6072

Well in my case, churgery was the only option

Posted May 20, 2017 by Karin 400

Surgery. TEVAR. Pain medication will not help. Was administered Morphine and Phentanyl and it was no help. An immediate EKG and enzyme blood test was immediately performed. Blood test negative for heart attack. EKG was inconclusive and appeared normal. Xray and CT Scan proved dissection.

Posted Jul 12, 2017 by Errol 1650

Acute aortic dissection can be treated surgically or medically. In surgical treatment, the area of the aorta with the intimal tear is usually resected and replaced with a Dacron graft.

Emergency surgical correction is the preferred treatment for Stanford type A (DeBakey type I and II) ascending aortic dissection. It is also preferred for complicated Stanford type B (DeBakey type III) aortic dissections with clinical or radiologic evidence of the following conditions:

• Propagation (increasing aortic diameter)
• Increasing size of hematoma
• Compromise of major branches of the aorta
• Impending rupture
• Persistent pain despite adequate pain management
• Bleeding into the pleural cavity
• Development of saccular aneurysm

Cautions and relative contraindications to surgery include the following:

• Cerebrovascular accident (CVA)

• Severe left ventricular dysfunction

• Coagulopathy

• Pregnancy

• Previous myocardial infarction (<6 months)

• Significant arrhythmias

• Advanced age

• Severe valvular disease

Medical management remains the treatment of choice for descending aortic dissections unless they are leaking or ruptured.

Posted Jul 19, 2017 by Rudesh 550

Medical management was and remains the best way to treat my Type B Dissection,
Keeping BP controlled with medication.
Dan Burgess UK

Posted Sep 11, 2017 by Dan 1998

The best means to treat AD to keep or lower The blood pressure, reduce and monitor Blood cholesterol, the idea to limit the negative effects of both to the arteries and veins, unless one is subject to Genetic issues (connective issues) Such as Loey dietz or Marfans syndrome Which might only be learned After genetic testing, one might find that a surgical intervention which is typically done with Open surgeries is also on a very limited basis done via endoscopic procedure if caught soon enough .... Obviously, the least intrusive Manner would be best.... One must consider Ones potential of being affected Long term if any relatives have suffered any effects of the genetic issues that are known to case AD

Posted Sep 21, 2017 by Jim 5641

Yoga and meditation

Posted Sep 23, 2017 by Christine 1400

Immediate surgery is the only real treatment with excellent care to follow

Posted Feb 3, 2018 by Lindsay McKinney 2520

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair

Posted Feb 4, 2018 by Julie 750

Open heart surgery - so called by pass to mend the ruptured aorta

Posted Feb 10, 2018 by Marvinskan 1100

It depends on what type of dissection you are going thru. I was put into an induced coma.

Posted Mar 2, 2018 by Mark 600

That is dependent of what type and how serious the dissection is. Surgery is not always used. All dissections are treated with a low bloodpreassure treatment.

Posted Jun 3, 2018 by Jeppe 2300

Surgery, Kee bp low . Below 120s/70s, diet exercise allwork together to get you on your feet,again

Posted Jun 6, 2018 by Karhleenmc 800

In my case, the only viable treatment was emergency surgery to replace my aortic valve and repair my ascending aorta with a dacron graft.

Posted Sep 23, 2018 by Stefan 2500

Having an experienced team of medical professionals. A cardiac surgeon to repair heart valves and aortic arch. A vascular surgeon to monitor the aorta through ct scans and mri. If problem found the operate to repair reinforce the aorta. A cardiologist to monitor blood pressure and heart functions through echocardiogram and blood pressure tablets. A psychologist specialising in ptsd to aid emotional recovery. An exercise psychologist to prepare a physical rehabilitation program then to monitor and control your progress

Posted Nov 7, 2018 by Sean 900

Type A Surgery and type B medication

Posted Mar 12, 2019 by Bengt 2500

Lower bp, surgery, diet limit lifting

Posted May 13, 2019 by Chris 1600

Thoracic aortic root replacement surgery and valve replacement. Some can be controlled by medicine.

Posted Jul 20, 2019 by Sean 400

Replacement Aortic Surgery

Posted Jul 29, 2019 by MCSzombie 6220

Positive thinking (frame of mind) and walking, just walking.

Posted Aug 31, 2019 by [email protected] 800

After two surgeries (ascending and descending) at Baylor Methodist in 32 years ago, I was not given much direction on further treatments. At that time, there were only a few hospitals that were successfully able to do this surgeries and I think they didn’t look beyond just having a patient live. My doctor was Stanley Crawford, a partner of Michael DeBakey, and the developer of a surgery that doctors still use today. I think that one of the most effective advice for a patient is to start physical therapy as soon as possible. No one told me that and I probably would not have had some of the problems that are still with me currently. I also had no other people with AD to talk to. With the internet and support groups I have learned much and can relate to many of the members problems;
so, yes, I would consider this as a positive treatment.

Posted Oct 8, 2019 by Sandy 2500

For type A dissection immediate surgery is done.
For type B dissection, medical treatment such as bloof pressure pills to control the internal pressure of the blood.
For complex type B dissection, hen an aneurysm develops, then surgery is performed, to insert a TEVAR or other device to replace the damaged aorta.

Posted Jan 20, 2020 by Kurt 900

Surgery, urgent, life threatening if not treated asap!

Posted May 26, 2020 by Arne 2300

a complete graft over the entire area effected.

Posted Apr 2, 2022 by Larry 2550