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Aneurysms of the Aorta

5 to 7% of people over 60 have abdominal aortic aneurysms in the US.  Risk factors include advanced age, smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and family history.

Aneurysms are balloon-like out-pouchings of the aortic wall, resembling a bubble on a garden hose. They can involve any portion of the aorta, but are most commonly located in the abdomen. Aneurysms are frequently asymptomatic but may cause back, abdominal, or testicular pain. Often, pain is a sign of impending rupture of the aneurysm and medical attention should be sought immediately. As aneurysms enlarge, the chance of rupture increases proportionately.

AORTIC ANEURYSM REPAIR

Patients who have an aortic aneurysm should have it repaired depending on size. We do this by replacing the segment involved with a synthetic graft material. This is a major operation and there is some risk of death or heart attack with the procedure. In addition, depending on the location of the aneurysm, there may be some problems with blood supply to the kidneys or the intestines. Overall, the risk of surgery is small compared to the risk of an unrepaired expanding aneurysm.

ENDOVASCULAR REPAIR OF ANEURYSMS

When possible, a new endovascular technique is used to repair aortic aneurysms. A small incision is made in both groins to gain access to the femoral arteries, where a delivering device is threaded through the arteries to the aorta. The stent graft is then deployed above and below the dilated portion of the aorta. This minimally invasive approach is more cosmetic, reduces operative time, and has fewer complications. Most patients require a one to two day hospital stay.