Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026
06:26
Novel and Innovative Hybrid Technique for Type A Aortic Dissection
Published on: March 28, 2025
Marfan Syndrome: when to operate TAA(A)s?
A Greiner1, J Grommes, S Lancer
1European Vascular Center Aachen-Maastricht, University Hospitals Aachen, Maastricht, the Netherlands. agreiner@ukaachen.de
The Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery
|October 7, 2010
Summary
Marfan Syndrome patients with aortic aneurysms can undergo open surgery or, in select cases, less invasive endovascular repair. Endovascular treatment offers an alternative for high-risk patients, with open surgery remaining an option if endovascular repair fails.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Genetics
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Marfan Syndrome is a genetic connective tissue disorder.
- It commonly leads to aortic aneurysms and reduced life expectancy.
- Standard treatment for thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) involves complex open surgery.
Observation:
- A shift towards endovascular treatment for aortic aneurysms in Marfan patients is emerging.
- Endovascular repair is considered for patients with increased surgical risk, such as those requiring redo sternotomy or thoracotomy.
- Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a viable alternative in specific Marfan patient cases.
Findings:
- Open surgical repair of TAAs/TAAAs yields excellent results.
- Endovascular treatment offers a less invasive approach, particularly beneficial for high-risk patients.
- Conversion to open surgery is feasible and yields acceptable outcomes following failed endovascular therapy.
Implications:
- Endovascular repair represents a significant therapeutic advancement for select Marfan patients.
- Careful patient selection and appropriate landing zones are crucial for successful endovascular aortic repair.
- The evolving treatment landscape necessitates consideration of both open and endovascular strategies for Marfan Syndrome aortic complications.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management
Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...
01:22Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management
Vigilant monitoring for aneurysm rupture is essential for patients undergoing aortic surgery.Preoperative Nursing ManagementContinuously monitor the patient for manifestations of aneurysm rupture, such as pallor, weakness, tachycardia, hypotension, abdominal, back, groin, or periumbilical pain, changes in consciousness, and a pulsating abdominal mass. Regularly assess the patient's peripheral pulses.Instruct the patient to consume a clear liquid diet the day before surgery and administer...
01:26Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...