death in anuerism repair

My dad went in for anuerism repair on november 19th, he died ten days later, has anyone experienced this?


This discussion is related to Valve replacement/ aortic aneurysm repair surgery.

[kenkeith]

Sorry to hear of you father's unfortunate outcome of an aneurysm repair.

Its difficult to assess a surgical outcome without more detail.  The risk increases if there are serious  health problems, which may be more likely in some individuals especially if they are very elderly, may increase the chances of having complications during aneurysm surgery. If your dad's general health is good, however, the age alone is not a reason to avoid necessary aneurysm repair. Other factors that may increase your chances of complications include:

•  Congestive heart failure
•  Diabetes
•  Cardiopulmonary obstructive disease (COPD), in which airflow through your lungs is decreased
•  A previous heart attack, which may indicate coronary artery disease (CAD)
•  Recurring chest pain (angina), which may also indicate CAD

These risk factors should have been evaluated and treated by your physician before elective aneurysm repair to lessen your chances of complications associated with aneurysm repair. However, if the surgery was due to an emergency (rupture or dissection) the risk is much greater.

For some insight: "Nearly half of people who suffer from a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm end up dying. Now a new less invasive endovascular technique is being trialed for people suffering the condition. In one report, 44 patients with ruptured aneurysms were treated using the new technique and 85% survived compared to about 50% in those who have major open surgery
. Each year, 50,000 people in the US have elective surgery to treat abdominal aortic aneurysm and there are about 50,000 other sufferers who are undiagnosed. Undiagnosed cases face the risk of sudden bleeding which can be exacerbated when invasive abdominal surgery begins. The new technique involves threading a tiny tube through blood vessels where it can then seal off the site of the aneurism (aneurysm) which will stop the bleeding. People at risk of abdominal aneurysms are older men, those who smoke, have high blood pressure or a family history of the condition. Diagnosis is through x-rays and sonograms. Experts hope the new technique becomes increasingly used in emergency situations".