Aortic Aneurysms

  1. Patients conditions
  2. Aortic Aneurysms
What is an Aorta? What is an Aortic Aneurysm (AA)? At what level does the Aortic Aneurysm (AA) develop? What are the symptoms of an Aortic Aneurysm (AA)? If most AA have no symptoms how are they found? What causes weakening of the Aortic wall to form an Aneurysm? Who is at risk and how can AA be screened? How are AA treated once discovered? Treatment I. Open repair Treatment II. Endovascular aneurysm repair or EVAR What to expect from open repair? What to expect from endovascular repair?

How are AA treated once discovered?
Treatment depends on the size of the AA:

In small AA (5cms or less), close observation with US evaluation is recommended every 6 months. If the aneurysm grows by 0.5 to 1 cm then CT angiography is recommended.

In addition risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia should be strictly managed and controlled. Smoking cessation is paramount.

Intervention to repair AA is indicated in
a) Large AA (> 5ms in the abdomen or > 6cms in the chest)
b) Small AA with abdominal / back pain or rapid growth.

Treatment plans include:
a) Open repair
b) Endovascular aneurysm repair, EVAR

Both procedures carry better than 97% success in centers of excellence.