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 |  CT scan of an aortic dissection |
The aorta is the main artery in the body and helps supply blood to the entire body. When a defect in the aorta develops, blood pressure can force the tear to open and allow blood to pass through. If the condition is left undiagnosed, it proves fatal to 33 percent of patients within the first 24 hours and 50 percent of patients within 48 hours.
“High clinical suspicion, appropriate investigation, and immediate intervention provided in a timely manner may save patients with this disease,” stated Dr. Ranjan.
A Unique Case
The patient experienced left-sided
weakness, seemingly a symptom
of a stroke. It was soon concluded
that it was not a stroke
and that the patient needed
advanced care immediately. After
arriving at Faith Regional, the
patient was rushed for a CT scan and transesophageal
echocardiogram (TEE ) of his chest, which helped confirm
Dr. Ranjan’s suspicion of type A aortic dissection.
Immediately following diagnosis, the patient required surgical repair of the dissection, which was performed by Dr. Alec Akbarov, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Faith Regional CardioVascular Institute. “This type of advanced vascular surgery requires emergency expertise and technology, which I am thankful we can provide at Faith Regional,” said Dr. Ranjan.
After a short hospital recovery time, the patient returned home with a significant improvement in his neurological function and was able to resume normal physical activity.
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The success of any cardiovascular procedure depends on how quickly it occurs after a heart attack begins. The more time that passes, the greater the damage to the heart can be. The CardioVascular Institute ensures that patients in Norfolk and the surrounding communities are able to receive rapid diagnosis and treatment, which significantly improves their chance of survival. We’ve made cardiac services easier to access — closer to you, your family, and your physician.
The CardioVascular Institute is dedicated to the detection, prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation of heart-related diseases. Our heart program is supported by board certified cardiologists and surgeons, certified nurse practitioners, and nurses and technicians who provide patients with a specific diagnosis, the best treatment, and the greatest possible outcome for life.
For more information about Faith Regional CardioVascular Institute, call