For what it's worth--I'm sure Karen and Spaw have checked out all the options, and I don't mean to presume to offer medical advice. This is just an experience with one of the options Karen and Spaw may be thinking about.

My stepfather had an aortic aneurism about 7 or 8 years ago, and he went from S. Carolina to Boston to have a Kevlar (I think) sleeve placed around his aorta. We went through some really rough spots before he was cleared for the surgery, but afterwards and since he's been fine. He was probably older than Pat is--I think he'll be 72 this year, making him in his mid-sixties when he had the operation.

As I said, I don't mean to offer medical advice, and I'm sure every option is being explored. But this is one option I can at least offer some second-hand knowledge of.

Best of luck and blessings,

V