Aortic Aneurysms Offers Hope (NAPSA)—Aclinical study is taking place nationwideto test the effectiveness of a new medical device to treat a life-threatening condition called thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA). Instead of surgery—which includes opening the patient’s chest—researchers are studying whether a less invasive procedure would benefit patients. Patients typically don’t know they have a thoracic aortic aneurysm until diagnosed with the condition by a physician. In fact, symptomsof TAA often don’t occur until the aneurysm is quite large, causing pressure from the aorta on surrounding organs in the chest. Symptomscan include: pain in the upper back, * coughing, hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing and * swelling in the neck and arms. TAA occurs when a section of the aorta—the body’s largest artery that carries blood out of the heart and into the organs of the body—weakens and bulges outward like a balloon in the section of the artery that runs down the chest. Each year, more than 20,000 patients in the United States are diagnosed with TAA. Treatment in the study involves installing a two-piece, fabric-covered, self-expanding stent-graft inside the weakenedsection of the thoracic aorta to relieve pressure on the aneurysm, helping toreduce the risk of rupture. —ANEURYSM HEART — AORTA — KIDNEY - ILIAC IGHT MMON — ARTERY LE — COMMON ILIAC ARTERY @ Clinical trials are underway on a new treatment for thoracic aortic aneurysms that does not involve open surgery, which can be risky for certain patients. Historically, doctors have repaired TAAs through open surgery, or have placed patients who are ineligible for surgery under observation to monitor the progress of the aneurysm. Surgery can carry high health risks for many older patients, who mayalso suffer from other significant medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, dia- betes or hypertension. Patients who are monitored may have a higherrisk of suffering a ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm. If you are experiencing any of the TAA symptoms, consult your physician immediately. For more information on the location of researchsites, call 1-800-457-4500 or visit www.starz-tx2.com.
