An aortic aneurysm is a bulging weak spot in the aorta, the main blood vessel carrying blood from the heart to the body. The blood in the aorta is under pressure and pushes out on the weak spot. This forms a bulge that can grow over time. Aortic aneurysms are a concern because blood clots can form inside them and they can block blood flow to the body.
Only a handful of pediatric heart surgeons in the country perform operations on infants and children with aortic aneurysms (especially large ones) after having congenital heart defect surgery.
Surgery to repair these problems is complex and highly specialized — it requires unique expertise. We have the skills and experience required for swift diagnosis and repair.
Learn more about Aortic Aneurysm Repair at the Nemours KidsHealth Library
Treatment for Aortic Aneurysm at Nemours Children's
Sometimes babies are born with an aortic aneurysm. It also can happen in kids who had surgery for a congenital (present at birth) heart defect.
At Nemours, we’re experienced in complex operations to treat an aortic aneurysm by either:
- Opening the aorta and removing the stretched portion, then closing the aorta
- Removing a piece of the aorta with the aneurysm and replacing it with a graft (replacement tubing or blood vessel)
In addition to heart surgery, our services include cardiac diagnostic testing like cardiac catheterization, cardiac MRI, and cardiac-related genetic testing and counseling. We also offer preventive cardiology care and rehabilitation services.
Find Aortic Aneurysm Expertise at Nemours
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Find a Doctor Find a LocationExpertise in Pediatric Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Surgery for an aortic aneurysm takes special skill and knowledge, especially when it comes to children with other heart conditions. At Nemours Cardiac Center we use the most advanced, up-to-date approaches. We offer:
- Leading heart care and surgery for kids. Our specialty is detecting and fixing heart problems early to give children the best possible chance for a healthy future.
- Expertise in fetal heart problems. We can diagnose some congenital heart diseases in the womb, and plan and provide care after the baby is born.
- Kid-friendly, state-of-the-art, noninvasive and minimally invasive tests for kids of all ages, including babies in the womb.
- Cardiovascular genetics counseling with a certified genetic counselor for heart conditions that are caused, at least in part, by changes in genes.
- Highly advanced surgical suites that are only used for kids with heart problems.
- Patient and family satisfaction that's unmatched. In yearly surveys, 100% of our patients said they would recommend the Nemours Cardiac Center.
- The Ronald McDonald House of Delaware is conveniently located across the street. This offers a safe, affordable home away from home for long hospital stays.
Heart Care Just for Kids
The Nemours Cardiac Center, Delaware Valley is a place where children get advanced heart care. From heart murmurs to heart transplants, we take care of all pediatric heart problems, big and small. Plus, we have more than 30 other medical and surgical specialties ready to help if needed. Learn more about our care.
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