What I Don't Get Why Wouldnt Just A Stent Be Needed And Not Open Heart Surgery ?

Posted on Sun, 29 Nov 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 29 Nov 2020 Answered on

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : I was diagnosed with 4.6 centimeter heart aneurism............ He said wait and watch see if it grows to 5. centimeter........... What I don't get why wouldnt just a stent be needed and not open heart surgery

Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Heart surgery is too risky now

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

A heart aneurysm smaller then 5 cm usually is not a problem at all. Does not cause any problem- no pain, no blood pressure changes, no big risk for rupture. There are many people who have a heart aneurysm and live with it. The risk of a heart surgery at this stage is much higher then that of living with the aneurysm.
When it grows and becomes bigger than 5 cm there is a bigger risk that it can rupture and be dangerous. At this stage it has been proven that people would benefit from a heart surgery and that the benefits it outweigh the risks. An open heart surgery is a very big operation so it really has to be thought well before deciding to do it.

I hope this is helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Kind regards,
Dr. Klarida Papaqako
General and family physician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T