Prashanth Hospitals Performs Complex Aortic Aneurysm Surgery On 76-Year-Old Woman
Doctors at Prashanth Hospitals, Velachery, have successfully performed a high-risk ascending aortic aneurysm surgery on a 76-year-old woman, a potentially fatal condition that requires timely surgical intervention. The patient, who was admitted with chest pain, was discharged in stable condition five days after the procedure.
Investigations revealed a significantly enlarged ascending aorta with involvement of the proximal aortic arch, placing the patient at high risk of rupture and stroke. Ascending aortic aneurysms occur when a weakened section of the aorta dilates and, if left untreated, can lead to catastrophic complications.
Considering the patient’s advanced age, long-standing hypertension, and the extent of arterial involvement, the medical team recommended urgent surgical management.
The procedure involved replacement of the ascending aorta and proximal arch using a 30 mm Intergard graft and lasted approximately ten hours. The surgery was particularly challenging due to extensive calcification and friable blood vessel tissue in the ascending, arch, and descending aorta, significantly increasing the risk of bleeding and neurological complications. Both femoral arteries were also found to be calcified, requiring careful planning to safely establish cardiopulmonary bypass.
To minimise the risk of stroke, the surgical team employed intra-operative Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) to continuously monitor cerebral blood flow during the procedure. The patient had an uneventful post-operative recovery and was discharged on the fifth post-operative day.
The patient was clear and decisive about proceeding with the surgery despite the associated risks. Having settled her children, she expressed a strong desire to continue managing her life on her own terms. Her clarity and informed decision-making played an important role in the treatment process.
Commenting on the case, Dr. Koushik Kannan, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Prashanth Hospitals said, “Ascending aortic aneurysms affect nearly six to eight in 10,000 people and often go undetected due to non-specific symptoms. Many patients remain unaware of the condition as symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for routine chest discomfort. In elderly patients with hypertension, delayed diagnosis can be life-threatening. Early detection and timely, carefully planned surgery are crucial to preventing outcomes such as rupture or stroke. This procedure required precise execution and close coordination across teams to ensure a safe outcome.”
