Aneurysm Treatment
At Vein & Vascular Experts,
We See Your Aneurysm Coming
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are silent killers. About 200,000 people are diagnosed with a AAA per year and it is the 10th leading cause of death in men over the age of 55. Early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to preventing AAA from bursting and causing death.
Aneurysm Treatments Q & A
What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
Aneurysms are abnormal dilatations of arteries. Outside of the brain, the most common place to find an aneurysm is in the abdomen. The aorta, a major blood vessel in the body, becomes dilated below the kidney arteries and continues to dilate over years. As the aorta continues to dilate, the blood vessel wall becomes thinner until, eventually, the aorta ruptures and causes internal bleeding that is fatal.
Who is at risk?
Abdominal aortic aneurysms usually occur in older individuals over the age of 55. They are most often found in men who have high blood pressure and who have ever smoked. Sometimes, AAA run in families with collagen vascular problems.
How is AAA diagnosed?
Abdominal aortic aneurysms are most commonly found by accident. They do not cause any symptoms until they burst. However, AAA may be noted on routine physical exam or imaging (CT scan, MRI or ultrasound) done for another reason. If one is found, prompt clinical evaluation and CT imaging should be done to better characterize the AAA.
How is AAA treated?
Abdominal aortic aneurysms cannot be treated with medication and need to be operated on. AAA are repaired either by “open” surgery where the aneurysmal portion of the aorta is replaced with a fabric tube or by a less invasive “endovascular” method. The endovascular method involves using x-ray imaging to guide stents (metal tubular scaffolds covered by fabric) through the groin arteries in order to re-line the aorta in a fashion that keeps blood flow from entering the aneurysm. Both methods have been found to be successful, and the doctor will discuss which option would be the best for your situation.