Aortic aneurysms are a severe condition that needs immediate and expert attention. Dr. Maria Tehrani is one of the best cardiac surgeons in Los Angeles who specialize in diagnosing and repairing aortic aneurysms. Her extensive knowledge as well as patient-centric attitude guarantees top-notch care that suits individual needs.

Knowing Aortic Aneurysms

An aortic aneurysm refers to an abnormal bulge occurring on the wall of the largest blood vessel in the body called aorta which carries blood from the heart to other parts. There are two types of aortic aneurysms:

• Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA): It occurs along the section of the aorta found in the chest.
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): This takes place along the abdominal part of aorta.
• Both kinds have serious implications since they can rupture leading to life-threatening internal bleeding.

Symptoms & Risk Factors

Aortic aneurysms usually grow slowly over many years without any symptom until they become large or burst open. The most common signs include:

• Sudden, intense pain either in chest or back (in TAA)
• Feeling pulsation close to belly button (in AAA)
• Shortness of breath
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Risk factors for developing an aortic aneurysm are:
• Age (over 60 years old)
• Smoking habit
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol levels
• Hardening of arteries known as atherosclerosis
• Family history with this condition
• Having certain genetic disorders

Diagnosis & Assessment

Early detection plays a crucial role in managing patients with this problem; thus, different imaging tests are needed for accurate diagnosis, sizing up the aneurysm and its location. Dr. Tehrani employs advanced methods such as MRI scans, CT scans as well as ultrasound which helps her make comprehensive evaluation required to guide appropriate treatment options for each individual.

Expertise in Surgical Treatment of Aortic Aneurysms

Dr. Maria Tehrani is an authority when it comes to fixing aortic aneurysms through operation; she performs both open surgeries and minimally invasive endovascular techniques.

Open Surgery for Aortic Aneurysm Repair:

• It involves making a cut either in the chest or abdomen to reach the weak spot in the vessel wall.
• Synthetic graft material is then used to replace affected section of aorta.
• This method is mainly recommended for larger or complex aneurysms.

Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR)

This less invasive procedure entails inserting a catheter via small incision made around groin area.

Stent-graft designed specifically for this purpose is carefully directed along with blood flow using catheter until it reaches exact site where there’s aneurysmal dilation thereby reinforcing weakened areas preventing rupture from happening inside patient’s body.

There tends to be quicker recovery time after EVAR than open surgery and fewer chances for complications occurring during follow-up period after operation.

Postoperative Care & Follow-Up

Good postoperative care following aortic aneurysm repair is necessary for better outcomes during recovery process as well as overall health improvement over long-term basis. After completion of surgical intervention, Dr. Tehrani gives detailed instructions regarding what should be done at home and also schedules regular visits which enable close monitoring of how patient is progressing through healing journey; this ensures that corrective measures are instituted promptly whenever necessary thus leading to successful outcome.

Patient-Centric Approach

The patient-centered approach adopted by Dr. Tehrani involves effective communication, compassion and individualized attention to every case under her care. She takes time in explaining diagnosis arrived at after various tests have been done, available treatment options with their expected results and any other relevant information that may assist in making informed decisions; this helps both patients and their families understand what is happening well enough as they become comfortable with planned therapeutic interventions.