The aorta is the body’s largest artery and carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Diseases affecting the aortic root and ascending aorta can become life-threatening if they progress or rupture.

When is aortic surgery needed?

Surgery may be recommended for selected patients with:

• Aortic root or ascending aortic aneurysm
• Rapidly enlarging aneurysm
• Aortic dissection
• Significant associated aortic valve disease
• Certain inherited or structural conditions affecting the aorta
• Aortic disease meeting established surgical criteria

The decision depends on the size and location of the aneurysm, rate of enlargement, symptoms, valve anatomy, underlying condition and overall patient risk.

What is a Bentall procedure?

The Bentall procedure is a complex operation in which the diseased aortic root and ascending aorta are replaced with a composite graft containing a prosthetic valve.

The coronary arteries are then reattached to the new graft.

It may be required when disease affects both the aortic root and the aortic valve.

What about aortic dissection?

An aortic dissection occurs when a tear develops in the inner layer of the aorta, allowing blood to enter the wall of the vessel.

Acute dissection can be a surgical emergency, particularly when the ascending aorta is involved.

How effective is aortic surgery?

Timely surgery in appropriately selected patients can prevent catastrophic complications such as rupture and cardiac tamponade. Outcomes depend heavily on the type and extent of disease, timing of treatment, patient’s condition and surgical complexity.

Dr. Deepi Agrawal Goyal

Dr. Deepi has experience in complex cardiac surgery, including aortic root and ascending aortic procedures such as the Bentall operation. Complex aortic disease requires detailed imaging, careful surgical planning and multidisciplinary perioperative care.