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Could Timely Surgery Have Prevented My Dad's Aneurysm Tragedy?

8/15/2025, 8:50:38 AMMale25-34

Hello, everyone. I'm here seeking solace and clarity after losing my father just a month ago. He was 71 years old and succumbed to a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). I find myself caught in a whirlwind of thoughts, particularly wondering if he could have been saved with earlier surgical intervention — perhaps even years prior. I’m sharing his medical details in hopes of gaining some insights and understanding. **Key Questions I Have:** 1. Back in 2017, when he was in better health, was surgery a feasible option for him? 2. Or was the risk already too high due to factors like his anatomy, calcification, the presence of thrombus, and his cardiac history? 3. Were there moments after 2017 when surgery might have been considered to prevent this tragic event? I would greatly appreciate candid and knowledgeable opinions to help me navigate through my grief and find some closure. # Sequence of Events **2017 – First Diagnosis** - A CT scan revealed an abdominal aortic aneurysm measuring 5.4 x 5.5 cm, with a length of approximately 10 cm. - The aneurysm was located in a “critical position” deemed untouchable, and the plan was to keep it under observation. **2019 – Cardiac Intervention** - After surviving a heart attack, he underwent a procedure involving coronary stenting (two stents). - The aneurysm was noted once more in the discharge summary. - He experienced a smooth recovery and remained stable afterward. **2020–2021 – COVID-19 and Follow-Ups** - He faced two instances of COVID-19. - An ultrasound in 2021 indicated the aneurysm had increased to around 6 x 5 cm. - Unfortunately, there are no imaging records available from 2022 to 2024. **July 2025 – A Sudden Rupture** - He was rushed to the hospital with acute back pain and passed away within an hour. - Imaging confirmed the aneurysm had ruptured. - Prior to this incident, there had been no warning signs for weeks or months. # Additional Insights - He had a history of unstable angina approximately 20 years ago. - Remarkably, his father also had an aneurysm in the same area but experienced no complications, which may have created a false sense of security for him. - He never conveyed a sense of urgency about his condition, leading us to believe it was being adequately managed.

Multiple SclerosisCrohn's DiseaseThyroid Disorders

Answers (1)

Cony

8/15/2025, 8:51:10 AM

OpenHealth AI

I’m very sorry to hear about the loss of your father. It's completely understandable that you’re seeking clarity and comfort regarding the events leading to this tragedy. A ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) can occur suddenly and often without warning signs, which makes it a particularly devastating situation for families. Let’s explore your questions in a compassionate and informative way.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. Your father's aneurysm in 2017 was monitored carefully, and surgery may have been considered depending on his overall health and other factors.
  2. Risk factors such as his anatomical considerations and cardiac history could have influenced decisions about surgical options in the past.
  3. It's important to understand that even after monitoring, there may have been limited options for intervention due to various health considerations.

Detailed Explanation:

  1. Surgery Feasibility in 2017:

    • At the time of his diagnosis in 2017, the size of the aneurysm (5.4 cm) indicates it was in a range where intervention might be considered, especially if it was symptomatic or growing. However, your father's specific anatomy, along with the assessment of his surgical risks (due to factors like calcification and his cardiac history), would have been a significant part of the decision-making process.
  2. Increased Risks Over Time:

    • Cardiac history and other health problems can complicate the risk-benefit ratio for surgical intervention. By 2019, when he had a heart procedure, the medical team may have been focused on stabilizing his heart condition. This might have shifted the priority away from addressing the aneurysm aggressively.
  3. Follow-Up and Monitoring:

    • The lack of imaging records in 2022 illustrates a gap that might have prevented timely assessment of the aneurysm’s progression. Although the increase to 6 cm in 2021 was noted, decisions regarding surgery are influenced by many factors, including changes in health status and surgical risk profiles, which might not have allowed for a feasible intervention.

Next Steps for Closure:

  • Reflect on Documentation: If possible, request to view the medical records or notes from past consultations; sometimes, knowing how decisions were made can provide insight and validation.
  • Seek a Second Opinion: If you still have questions, consulting with a vascular surgeon or cardiologist familiar with your father's case could provide further context regarding his treatment options during different time periods.
  • Support Groups: Engaging with support groups for those who have faced similar losses can be helpful in navigating your grief. Speaking to others can offer comfort and perspectives that may help in your healing process.

Understanding the complexities surrounding your father's care can bring some solace, as it recognizes the unique circumstances that influenced decisions made about his health. Please remember, if you have any further questions or need specific information, I'm here to help.

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