Aneurysms, a bulging, weakened area in the heart or aorta, can sometimes be repaired by open heart surgery.
- Heart muscle aneurysm. These are usually caused by heart attacks. They may prevent proper pumping of the heart, and may cause shortness of breath, pain, or an irregular heartbeat. A heart muscle aneurysm is repaired by either a patches on the weakened area or total removal followed by sewing the surrounding tissue together.
- Aortic aneurysm. To repair, a surgeon removes the enlarged portion of the vessel and puts a synthetic tube graft in its place.
