Prophylactic Surgery for Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm: Asking Family for Help

A 68-year-old man presented for evaluation of a 5.0-cm asymptomatic ascending aortic aneurysm. He was managed medically until a family member was also diagnosed with a thoracic aortic aneurysm. His aneurysm was, therefore, likely to be genetically predisposed, and he underwent early prophylactic ascending aorta replacement. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.)