Aortic dissection is a serious condition that occurs when a tear develops in the wall of the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. This tear can cause blood to flow into the layers of the aorta, creating a false passage for blood. The false passage can put pressure on the true passage, narrowing it and reducing blood flow. This can lead to serious complications, including heart attack, stroke, and death.

There are two main types of aortic dissection: type A and type B. Type A aortic dissections involve the ascending aorta, the part of the aorta that comes directly off the heart. Type B aortic dissections involve the descending aorta, the part of the aorta that goes down through the chest and abdomen.

The treatment for aortic dissection depends on the type of dissection and the severity of the symptoms. Type A aortic dissections are always treated with surgery. The goal of surgery is to repair the tear in the aorta and restore blood flow to the true passage. There are two main types of surgery for aortic dissection: open surgery and endovascular surgery.

Open surgery is the traditional treatment for aortic dissection. During open surgery, the surgeon makes a large incision in the chest and repairs the tear in the aorta. This surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and requires a long recovery time.

Endovascular surgery is a newer, less invasive treatment for aortic dissection. During endovascular surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision in the groin and inserts a catheter into the aorta. The catheter is then used to deliver a stent, a mesh tube, to the site of the tear. The stent helps to repair the tear and restore blood flow to the true passage. Endovascular surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia and has a shorter recovery time than open surgery.