An aneurysm is a swelling or weakened area in a blood vessel. Aneurysms can affect virtually any artery in the body but most frequently occur in the abdominal aorta. Ruptured aortic aneurysm is the 10th leading cause of death in adults in the United States. Approximately 15,000 Americans die each year from this disease. It is estimated that 2.7 million Americans over 60 have abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).

Vascular Health and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms .

The aorta is the largest artery in the body and carries the blood that is pumped out of the heart to other organs. It extends from the heart, down through the chest (thoracic aorta) and into the abdomen (abdominal aorta). Aneurysms (enlarged aorta) are characterized by degeneration or deterioration of the aortic media (one of three layers that make up the aorta), resulting in weakness and dilatation of the blood vessel wall. Weakening of the aorta can result in an aneurysm (enlarged or ballooning aorta), a dissection (tear within the inner wall of the aorta), or a rupture of the aorta. Aortic aneurysms can remain asymptomatic (without symptoms) or produce mild to moderate symptoms including a pulsing feeling in your abdomen, similar to a heartbeat. A severe, sudden pain in your abdomen or lower back, chest pain, shortness of breath, stroke, and leg pain may indicate that an aneurysm is dissecting. Aortic dissections are surgical emergencies and patients should immediately go to the emergency department if experiencing these symptoms.

Surgical Options

• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Open Repair is the surgical repair of an aortic aneurysm. A tube called an aortic graft, made out of synthetic (man-made) material, is placed in the diseased aorta to allow blood to pass safely through the aneurysm, preventing rupture of the aorta. AAA repair is performed as an open procedure – allowing direct visualization of the aneurysm - through a standard incision in the abdomen.

• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Endovascular Repair is a procedure in which a catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin to repair an aortic aneurysm. The catheter contains a tube called an endovascular stent graft made out of synthetic (man-made) material. The catheter is advanced and placed inside the aneurysm with the use of special endovascular instruments and x-ray images. Once in place, the endovascular stent graft is expanded to fit snuggly in place. The endovascular stent graft allows blood to pass safely through the aneurysm, preventing rupture of the aorta. 

There is some risk with every operation. The risk varies with each person, depending on the artery disease and the type of surgery. Although rare, bleeding, blockage of the bypass graft, infection, heart problems, kidney failure and bowel obstruction may occur after surgery. These problems may require more surgery. Your surgeon will discuss the benefits and risks of your surgery with you.

Contact

For more information regarding abdominal aortic aneurysm and the treatments available, please contact the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at 1-866-662-8467 or request a first time appointment online.