Asan Medical Center Performs Aortic Dissection Surgery on Korea's Oldest 100-Year-Old Patient

Over Five Hours of Emergency Surgery for Ascending Aortic Dissection
Discharged Just One and a Half Months After Operation, Celebrated 100th Birthday in Hospital Room

Asan Medical Center in Seoul announced on September 8 that it had performed emergency surgery on Lee Seungman, a 99-year-old patient with aortic dissection, and discharged him just a month and a half after the operation. Lee is the oldest patient in Korea to undergo surgery for aortic dissection.

Born on August 5, 1926, Mr. Lee arrived at the emergency room of Asan Medical Center late at night on June 28 with symptoms of decreased consciousness and vomiting. A chest CT scan revealed aortic dissection, in which the wall of the ascending aorta near the heart had torn.

Professor Minjung Koo of the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at Asan Medical Center in Seoul and patient Seungman Lee and guardian (from left) are taking a commemorative photo celebrating Mr. Lee's 100th birthday in the hospital room after surgery. Asan Medical Center in Seoul

Aortic dissection is an extremely urgent condition in which the risk of death increases as more time passes after onset. In cases of ascending aortic dissection, emergency surgery is often necessary, as the condition can lead to damage of both the blood vessels around the heart and the heart itself.

At that time, Mr. Lee was 99 years old and at high surgical risk. The medical team explained the risks of the surgery and treatment to the caregiver, who decided to proceed with the operation.

On June 29 at about 2 a.m., a team led by Professor Minjung Koo of the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at Asan Medical Center performed open-chest surgery and replaced the damaged section of aorta with an artificial graft. During the operation, exposure of the injury site caused a sharp drop in blood pressure, but the medical team maintained blood pressure and systemic circulation by using cardiopulmonary bypass.

The surgery lasted for over five hours. Mr. Lee subsequently received intensive care in the intensive care unit. Although he experienced setbacks, such as a drop in oxygen saturation during ventilator weaning, he was transferred to a general ward after about a month of intensive care unit treatment.

On August 5, Mr. Lee celebrated his 100th birthday in his hospital room. Professor Minjung Koo and the medical team prepared a cake and held a birthday party in the hospital room to celebrate the occasion.

Professor Minjung Koo said, "Given his advanced age, the surgery itself was not easy. However, the dedicated aortic disease team at Asan Medical Center was able to draw on diverse clinical experience and know-how to ensure Mr. Lee could be safely discharged." She added, "We held a small celebration in hopes that he will continue to enjoy good health for many years to come."

Mr. Lee commented, "It is the first time in my life to celebrate my birthday in a hospital room," adding, "I am deeply grateful to the medical staff not only for saving my life but also for taking the time to celebrate my birthday with me."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.