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Aortic Aneurysm Repair Discharge Instructions


About this topic


The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body. It carries blood rich in oxygen from the heart to different parts of the body. The walls of the aorta are normally thick. They are able to withstand a normal pressure. In some cases, certain factors may weaken these walls. A bulge or pouch may form along the walls of the aorta. If it is in the area of your belly, it is an abdominal aortic aneurysm. If the area is in your chest, it is a thoracic aortic aneurysm. ‚  
An aortic aneurysm is often treated with surgery. The cause is treated with drugs. Sometimes, the aneurysm is carefully watched by your doctor. ‚  


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What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Control your blood pressure. Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
  • Have your cholesterol checked. If high, follow a low cholesterol diet and take drugs if ordered by your doctor.
  • If you had surgery, talk to your doctor about how to care for your cut site. Ask your doctor about:
    • When you should change your bandages
    • When you may take a bath or shower
    • If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
    • When you may go back to your normal activities like work, driving, or sex
  • If a catheter was used to correct your condition, take a short walk each day around your house. Limit using the stairs for the first 2 to 3 days after the surgery.
  • Stop smoking.
  • Find a way to manage stress. Try using ways to relax like reflection, deep breathing, and muscle relaxation.

What follow-up care is needed?


Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. The doctor will check to see if the aneurysm is growing. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Lower blood pressure.
  • Reduce swelling of the blood vessels
  • Lower cholesterol levels
  • Lower the chance for rupture

Will physical activity be limited?


You may have to limit your activity for a short period of time. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. If you had surgery, you may need to stay at home for few weeks to heal properly. ‚  

What changes to diet are needed?


  • Eat food low in fat such as lean meat and poultry.
  • Eat foods low in cholesterol.
  • Eat a low-salt diet.
  • Eat fruits and vegetables.
  • Drink low-fat or fat-free milk.

What problems could happen?


  • Rupture of aneurysm
  • Splitting of walls of the artery into layers. This is called a dissection.
  • Bleeding

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent rupture of the wall of the aneurysm and keep the artery from splitting into layers.
  • If you have the signs of aneurysm, go to your doctor right away.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, dizziness, very bad cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum.
  • Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up.
  • Numbness at the cut site
  • Bloody stools
  • Not able to move your legs
  • Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my procedure.
  • I can tell you how to care for my cut site.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have swelling, redness, or warmth around my wound.

Where can I learn more?


National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚  
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/arm/ ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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