An aortic dissection is a medical emergency in which a tear happens in the inner layer of the body's main artery. That artery is called the aorta. Blood rushes through the tear. This causes the inner and middle layers of the artery to split, called a dissection. If the blood goes outside the artery, aortic dissection is often deadly. Aortic dissection isn't very common. It usually happens in ...
An aortic dissection is a medical emergency that needs treatment right away. Treatment may include surgery or medicines, depending on the area of the aorta involved.
An aortic aneurysm is a weak spot in the wall of the aorta that begins to bulge or balloon outward, as shown in the image on the left. An aneurysm can occur anywhere in the aorta. People with an aortic aneurysm have an increased risk of a tear in the aortic lining, called a dissection. It is shown in the image on the right.
Surviving an aortic dissection is a tale not all patients live to tell. For Eric Salter, living through the traumatic experience was nothing short of miraculous. What's been even more remarkable to the 45-year-old, though, is the life-changing care he's received from his Mayo Clinic cardiologists who are committed to helping him live a long life.
Aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection An aortic aneurysm is a weak spot in the wall of the aorta that begins to bulge or balloon outward, as shown in the image on the left. An aneurysm can occur anywhere in the aorta. People with an aortic aneurysm have an increased risk of a tear in the aortic lining, called a dissection.