The main purpose of open-chest surgery to treat a thoracic aneurysm is to replace the weakened portion of the aorta with a fabric tube, called a graft. ... Procedures include ascending aorta, aortic arch, descending aorta, thoracoabdominal repairs, and thoracic aorta endovascular stent graft procedures.

Although most type B aortic dissections are treated with medication, you may need surgery if you develop ischemia, a condition in which the dissection prevents the flow of blood to certain organs or to the legs. Your doctor may recommend endovascular surgery to remove the blockage.