Aortic Aneurysm Repair Keeps Patient on the Open Road

Paul Boria, second from right, with members of his family

Having traversed over 14,000 miles on his motorcycle, including a memorable memorial ride up to Prudhoe Bay in Alaska, Paul Boria doesn’t flinch at the thought of a hundred-mile round trip for specialized medical care. A lifelong resident of Central Massachusetts, he's made the journey to Boston several times in the past five years to address serious heart and vascular issues.

Despite quitting smoking over a decade ago, Paul, 74, understood that the forty-year habit and other cardiovascular risk factors could still have repercussions. He's kept in regular contact with his primary care provider, met the challenges head-on, and made careful choices whenever issues surfaced. "I have two kids who live nearby and eight grandchildren. I don’t want to worry about my health," he said.

Getting different perspectives and regular health screenings has paid off. Five years ago, Paul questioned whether he needed a heart valve replacement and went to see Kamal Khabbaz, MD, Chief of Cardiac Surgery at BIDMC, for a second opinion. The valve irregularity had been found incidentally, and Paul wanted more information. Dr. Khabbaz reviewed the data and opted against surgery, instead prescribing medication that effectively addressed the issue. The advice spared Paul the risks associated with the procedure and a lengthy recovery period.

Paul was feeling fine when, during a routine physical, his doctor felt something in his abdomen and recommended an ultrasound. The scan revealed a slight bulge in his aorta, an aneurysm that they would continue to monitor for several years. He was still very active in 2022 when a repeat test showed that the aneurysm had grown and required follow-up. While an aortic aneurysm often doesn't cause pain or other symptoms, if left untreated, it could rupture and cause dangerous bleeding or even death.

Paul’s son quickly did some research and urged him to return to Boston. He learned that Marc Schermerhorn, MD, Chief of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at BIDMC, co-directs the Aortic Center, renowned for its expertise in treating aortic aneurysms and related conditions. Drs. Schermerhorn and Khabbaz lead the center, which uses advanced technology to treat even the most complex aortic aneurysms.

Dr. Schermerhorn explained a minimally invasive option to fix his aorta but also made it clear that the choice was up to Paul. “I didn’t feel rushed or pushed to make a quick decision. His mannerism was great.”

Even though Paul knew he wouldn’t be laid up for long, he took his Harley motorcycle to Nova Scotia before the surgery. While his days of cross-country rides with family might be coming to a close, he still planned on enjoying shorter trips locally or to New Hampshire. Having the surgery would help make that goal a reality.

Back in Boston in a minimally invasive procedure in January 2023, Dr. Schermerhorn placed a graft that created a new lining inside the aorta, lowering the risk of a rupture. “The stent graft stays in place, allowing blood to flow through it, protecting that part of the aorta,” explained Schermerhorn. Utilizing 3D fiber optic technology in the operating room further enhanced the precision of the procedure. BIDMC is one of a few hospitals in the state equipped with this advanced imaging capability.

Following just one night in the hospital, Paul was discharged and headed home to Charlton with his wife, Cheryl. A year later, he’s doing well and still going out on his motorcycle. He encourages others facing similar conditions not to delay seeking treatment. Reflecting on his experience, Paul remarked, "Undergoing the surgery was straightforward and provided me with peace of mind. I've been incredibly fortunate. My life has been one amazing ride.”

Learn more about aortic aneurysm screening