How you prepare

Before aortic root surgery, your doctor may talk with you about the most appropriate treatment or surgery for your condition. Together, you will discuss surgery benefits and risks.

Your doctor will evaluate your risk of an aortic dissection. This is a tear in the inner layer of the wall of the large blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body (aorta).

Your doctor will likely also measure the aorta when deciding if aortic root surgery is best for you.