Connective Issues Winter 2026

For some people with conditions like Marfan syndrome, treating complications the aorta requires just one surgery. For others, treatment unfolds over time. Suc is the case with Brian Campbell from Cheshire, United Kingdom. Brian ultimately underwent three major aortic surgeries, each involving three Terumo Aortic grafts chosen by his healthcare team to support his individual treatment plan. Surgery #1: A Life-Changing Diagnosis “I was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome in late 2020. Unfortunately, this was after I su ff ered an aortic dissection earlier that year in May,” said Brian. At the time, Brian was a key worker during the height of COVID. He was active, fit, and assumed his body could handle anything. Within hours, that belief was shattered. Brian’s aorta dissected while at work. “After a misdiagnosis by the ambulance crew who wouldn’t take me to the hospital, my wife drove me there,” recalled Brian. “Much later in the day, I had the correct diagnosis of aortic dissection via a CT scan.” After his scan, Brian was rushed to a cardiac hospital for an emergency root replace ment and a mechanical heart valve. The surgery saved his life, but the aftermath was both mentally and physically challenging. Recovery took time, spanning over two years. “It was a roller coaster of feelings as we navigated through the hospital appointments and the knowledge of upcoming treatments and surgeries,” said Brian. Because the dissection extended from the aortic root to his iliac arteries, Brian lived with ongoing risk. It was during recovery from this first surgery that genetic testing revealed an FBN1 variant and confirmed his Marfan diagnosis. Three Aortic Surgeries: A Story of Recovery sof ch y c y

 Brian holding Terumo Aortic grafts at the Aortic Dissection Awareness Day in Leicester, Sept. 2025

Surgery #2: A Turning Point in Recovery After two years of medical management, Brian underwent his second major surgery in December 2024, a total aortic arch replacement with a frozen elephant trunk (FET). An FET combines two operations into one device: a surgical graft replacing the arch and a stent graft that extends down into the descending thoracic aorta. This time, the recovery was dramatically di ff erent. “The recovery from this surgery was unbelievably quick, and I felt almost back to normal by the end of January 2025,” Brian said. “Everyone couldn’t believe how quickly I had recovered, and we scheduled the third surgery for July 2025.” Surgery #3: Managing Pain and Recovery Brian’s third surgery, a descending thoracic aortic replacement, was per formed in August 2025. While successful, the lengthy recovery tested him in new ways including the need to manage pain. Several months later, the recovery continues, but Brian believes the outcome matters more than the discomfort. “For me, it’s all been worth it, and I would definitely never complain as I feel a lot better now with no pressure buildup in my neck and chest,” he said. “I am now still medically managed and may need further surgeries in the future, but we will deal with those if they ever arise.” Moving Forward with Marfan Syndrome Brian credits specialist aortic centers and the support of his wife as essential throughout his surgeries and recovery. Today, Brian continues to be closely monitored through imaging, medication, and follow-up care. Despite ongoing recovery, he has returned to work and physical activity. “I will have either annual CT or MRI scans, and I have regular meetings with my surgeon,” said Brian. “I walk a lot and have just completed a walking 10K. I do have to rest and realize when I’ve done too much, but mainly, I am back to my normal way of life. Mentally, I have been good as after the first operation; I feel stronger and have a very positive mental attitude.”

“My new grafts are definitely doing their jobs.”

 Brian in Dec. 2024 after his second surgery

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