Aortic dissection is a life-threatening medical emergency characterized by a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, the largest artery in the body. This condition can be fatal, with death often occurring almost instantaneously if the tear leads to rupture. In many cases, the dissection weakens the aortic wall, causing it to rupture. Blood then escapes into the sac surrounding the heart, leading to cardiac arrest.
For individuals who are still alive when an aortic dissection is detected, the primary course of treatment is typically emergency open-heart surgery. During this procedure, surgeons work to remove the damaged section of the aorta and replace it with a synthetic tube graft. The severity and rapid progression of aortic dissection necessitate swift medical intervention to improve patient outcomes.