Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

What is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the lower part of the body’s main artery, the aorta. If the bulge becomes too large, it can burst and cause an internal hemorrhage. Congenital abnormalities, infections, atherosclerosis or hypertension can lead to a weakening of the blood vessel wall, allowing an aneurysm to develop. Lifestyle habits, such as smoking and a poor diet can also be contributing factors.

 

Symptoms

Physical exam results will often be normal, and patients may be asymptomatic; however, symptoms can include

  • Back, chest, or abdominal pain

  • Hoarseness, wheezing and difficulty swallowing

  • Hypotension (low blood pressure), tachycardia (fast heartbeat), and shock if the aneurysm ruptures

 

Diagnosis

To confirm a diagnosis, physicians may use blood work, contrast-enhanced CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), contrast angiography, chest radiography, transesophageal echocardiography or an electrocardiogram.

 

Treatment Options

Endovascular Repair

In this procedure, your vascular surgeon inserts catheters into an artery in your groin, guides them to the blockage and places a stent. The surgeon will watch the procedure on a video screen to ensure proper placement of the stent. Once in place, the stent will allow blood to flow through, keep the artery open and prevent additional pressure on the damaged artery walls, thus preventing the aneurysm from rupturing. Patients recover more quickly with this procedure than with an open aneurysm repair. Post-operatively, it’s important for patients to have regular check-ups to ensure that the stent is in the proper position and functioning correctly.

Open Aneurysm Repair

An open aneurysm repair requires your surgeon to make an incision in your chest or abdomen, where a graft will be inserted into the aorta at the aneurysm site. The graft is a fabric tube that allows blood to flow through but protects the damaged arterial walls from pressure.