How does Mayo Clinic approach thoracic aortic aneurysm care. What expertise do Mayo Clinic specialists have in treating this condition. Why is Mayo Clinic recognized for its cardiovascular care. How can patients benefit from Mayo Clinic’s collaborative approach to aneurysm treatment.

Mayo Clinic’s Multidisciplinary Approach to Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Care

Mayo Clinic’s approach to treating thoracic aortic aneurysms is characterized by a collaborative, multidisciplinary team effort. This team comprises various specialists, including:

• Vascular specialists
• Vascular surgeons
• Cardiovascular surgeons
• Thoracic surgeons
• Cardiologists
• Radiologists

This diverse group of experts works in unison to provide comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. The collaborative approach enables patients to benefit from multiple expert opinions, often resulting in an individualized treatment plan within just two to three days.

For patients with aneurysms caused by inherited conditions like Marfan syndrome, Mayo Clinic’s cardiovascular doctors collaborate with additional specialists, such as spine and eye doctors, to ensure holistic care.

Advanced Diagnostic Techniques and Cutting-Edge Technology

Mayo Clinic utilizes state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and techniques to accurately assess thoracic aortic aneurysms. These include:

• Echocardiography
• Computerized tomography (CT) angiogram
• Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA)
• Genetic testing

The clinic’s advanced laboratory and imaging facilities enable thoracic specialists to obtain detailed information and images for precise diagnosis. This technological edge allows for more informed decision-making regarding the necessity and type of surgery appropriate for each patient’s condition.

How does advanced imaging contribute to aneurysm treatment?

Advanced imaging techniques provide crucial insights into the size, location, and characteristics of thoracic aortic aneurysms. This detailed information allows surgeons to plan and execute more precise and effective treatments, potentially reducing risks and improving outcomes for patients.

Expertise and Experience in Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Treatment

Mayo Clinic boasts an impressive track record in treating thoracic aortic aneurysms:

• Over 50 years of experience in evaluating and treating both children and adults
• More than 4,900 patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms evaluated and treated annually
• Over 390 thoracic aortic aneurysm repairs performed each year

The clinic’s surgeons are highly skilled in various treatment approaches, including:

• Endovascular surgery
• Open-chest surgery
• Aortic root surgery

This extensive experience and expertise enable Mayo Clinic to treat thoracic aortic aneurysms located anywhere in the thoracic aorta effectively.

Why is surgical experience crucial in aneurysm treatment?

Surgical experience is paramount in treating thoracic aortic aneurysms due to the complexity and high-risk nature of these procedures. Experienced surgeons are better equipped to handle potential complications, adapt to unique patient anatomies, and achieve optimal outcomes. Mayo Clinic’s high volume of aneurysm repairs annually contributes to the continuous refinement of surgical techniques and improved patient care.

Specialized Care for Complex Cases and Related Conditions

Mayo Clinic offers specialized care for patients with complex conditions related to thoracic aortic aneurysms:

• The Marfan Syndrome and Thoracic Aorta Clinic provides expert care for patients with Marfan syndrome and related conditions
• Pediatric cardiologists at Mayo Clinic’s Minnesota campus treat children with heart conditions
• Vascular centers at all Mayo Clinic locations offer comprehensive care for vascular diseases

This specialized approach ensures that patients with complicated cases or multiple related conditions receive the most appropriate and effective care possible.

How does specialized care benefit patients with complex aneurysm-related conditions?

Specialized care for complex cases allows for a more targeted and comprehensive treatment approach. By addressing not only the aneurysm but also related conditions, patients receive holistic care that can improve overall outcomes and quality of life. The expertise of specialists in rare conditions like Marfan syndrome ensures that these patients receive the most up-to-date and effective treatments available.

National Recognition and Rankings in Cardiovascular Care

Mayo Clinic’s excellence in cardiovascular care is widely recognized:

• Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for heart and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report
• Mayo Clinic Children’s Center in Rochester is ranked the No. 1 hospital in Minnesota and the five-state region for pediatric cardiology and heart surgery

These rankings reflect Mayo Clinic’s commitment to providing exceptional cardiovascular care and its position as a leader in the field.

What do these rankings mean for patients seeking aneurysm treatment?

For patients seeking treatment for thoracic aortic aneurysms, these rankings provide assurance of Mayo Clinic’s expertise and quality of care. They indicate that patients will receive treatment at a facility recognized for excellence in cardiovascular medicine and surgery, potentially leading to better outcomes and a higher standard of care throughout their treatment journey.

Collaborative Care Across Mayo Clinic Locations

Mayo Clinic’s emphasis on collaborative care extends beyond individual campuses:

• Specialists at Mayo Clinic’s campuses in Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida interact closely with colleagues at other locations
• Collaboration extends to the Mayo Clinic Health System

This interconnected approach ensures that patients benefit from the collective expertise of Mayo Clinic’s entire network of cardiovascular specialists, regardless of which location they visit for treatment.

How does inter-campus collaboration enhance patient care?

Inter-campus collaboration allows for the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and best practices across Mayo Clinic’s entire network. This approach ensures that patients receive consistent, high-quality care regardless of their location. It also facilitates second opinions and consultations with specialists across different campuses, potentially leading to more comprehensive and innovative treatment plans.

Patient-Centered Care and Accessibility

Mayo Clinic prioritizes patient-centered care and accessibility:

• Major campuses in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona; Jacksonville, Florida; and Rochester, Minnesota
• Emphasis on whole-person care and individualized treatment plans
• Efficient evaluation and treatment planning process

This focus on patient needs and convenience ensures that individuals seeking treatment for thoracic aortic aneurysms can access high-quality care at multiple locations across the United States.

How does Mayo Clinic’s patient-centered approach benefit those with thoracic aortic aneurysms?

Mayo Clinic’s patient-centered approach ensures that individuals with thoracic aortic aneurysms receive personalized care that considers their unique medical needs, lifestyle factors, and treatment preferences. This holistic approach can lead to better patient satisfaction, improved adherence to treatment plans, and potentially better long-term outcomes. The emphasis on efficiency in evaluation and treatment planning also means that patients can begin their treatment journey more quickly, which can be crucial in managing potentially life-threatening conditions like aortic aneurysms.

Continued Innovation and Research in Aneurysm Treatment

Mayo Clinic’s commitment to advancing aneurysm treatment extends beyond clinical care:

• Ongoing research into new diagnostic techniques and treatment methods
• Participation in clinical trials for innovative therapies
• Continuous refinement of surgical techniques based on outcomes data

This dedication to innovation ensures that Mayo Clinic remains at the forefront of thoracic aortic aneurysm treatment, offering patients access to the latest and most effective therapies available.

How does ongoing research benefit patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms?

Ongoing research at Mayo Clinic translates directly to improved patient care. By participating in clinical trials and studying treatment outcomes, Mayo Clinic’s specialists can offer patients access to cutting-edge therapies that may not be available elsewhere. This research-driven approach also contributes to the continuous improvement of standard treatment protocols, potentially leading to better outcomes, reduced complications, and improved quality of life for patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms.

In conclusion, Mayo Clinic’s comprehensive approach to treating thoracic aortic aneurysms combines multidisciplinary expertise, advanced technology, and a patient-centered focus. With its nationally recognized cardiovascular programs, extensive experience, and commitment to innovation, Mayo Clinic offers patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms access to world-class care and the latest treatment options. Whether through complex surgical procedures or specialized care for related conditions, Mayo Clinic’s team of experts works collaboratively to provide personalized, effective treatment plans for each patient, aiming to improve outcomes and quality of life for those affected by this serious cardiovascular condition.

Thoracic aortic aneurysm – Care at Mayo Clinic

Thoracic aortic aneurysm care at Mayo Clinic

Your Mayo Clinic care team

A team at Mayo Clinic

A team works together to evaluate and treat people at Mayo Clinic.

Mayo Clinic doctors trained in blood vessel conditions (vascular specialists), blood vessel surgery (vascular surgeons), heart and blood vessel surgery (cardiovascular surgeons), chest surgery (thoracic surgeons), heart and blood vessel conditions (cardiologists), imaging (radiologists), and other medical specialists have experience evaluating and treating thoracic aortic aneurysms and other types of aneurysms.

Collaborative approach

This team works together to provide you with whole-person care and to develop a lifelong management plan individualized to your condition and medical needs. This means that you’re not getting just one opinion — you benefit from the knowledge and experience of each specialist on the multidisciplinary team. This collaborative approach means doctors can often evaluate you and develop an individualized treatment plan within two or three days.

If your aneurysm is caused by an inherited condition, such as Marfan syndrome, or by a condition that involves parts of your body in addition to the aorta, Mayo Clinic cardiovascular doctors collaborate with specialists such as spine and eye doctors.

Advanced diagnosis and treatment

At Mayo Clinic, imaging and other tests are evaluated by experienced cardiac specialists who interpret and synthesize the results. Mayo Clinic doctors use the most current imaging tests available to accurately diagnose thoracic aortic aneurysms and determine whether and what type of surgery is appropriate for your condition.

Tests may include echocardiography, computerized tomography (CT) angiogram, magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) and other tests. Genetic specialists may order genetic tests.

Mayo Clinic maintains state-of-the-art laboratory and imaging facilities. The thoracic specialists use this advanced technology and sophisticated imaging equipment to obtain detailed information and images to make a diagnosis.

Expertise and rankings

Mayo Clinic cardiovascular specialists and surgeons have more than 50 years of experience evaluating and treating children and adults with thoracic aortic aneurysms. Each year, more than 4,900 people with thoracic aortic aneurysm are evaluated and treated at Mayo Clinic.

Mayo Clinic’s thoracic surgeons are experienced in repairing thoracic aortic aneurysms. Mayo Clinic surgeons perform more than 390 thoracic aortic aneurysm repairs a year.

• Surgeons have expertise and experience in treating thoracic aortic aneurysms using endovascular surgery, open-chest surgery, aortic root surgery and other treatment options. Mayo doctors have experience performing surgery to treat a thoracic aortic aneurysm located anywhere in the thoracic aorta.
• People with Marfan syndrome and related conditions may be treated by doctors experienced in treating Marfan syndrome and related conditions in the Marfan Syndrome and Thoracic Aorta Clinic.
• Children with heart conditions may be treated by doctors trained in treating children with heart conditions (pediatric cardiologists) at Mayo Clinic’s campus in Minnesota.
• Each Mayo Clinic location offers a vascular center staffed by trained doctors and nurses who have experience treating vascular diseases. Vascular centers include the Gonda Vascular Center at Mayo Clinic’s campus in Minnesota and vascular centers at Mayo Clinic’s campuses in Arizona and Florida.

Nationally recognized expertise

Mayo Clinic campuses are nationally recognized for expertise in cardiology and cardiovascular surgery:

• Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Ariz., are ranked among the Best Hospitals for heart and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report.
• Mayo Clinic Children’s Center in Rochester is ranked the No. 1 hospital in Minnesota, and the five-state region of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2021–2022 “Best Children’s Hospitals” rankings.

With Mayo Clinic’s emphasis on collaborative care, specialists at each of the campuses — Minnesota, Arizona and Florida — interact very closely with colleagues at the other campuses and the Mayo Clinic Health System.

Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s cardiovascular surgery and cardiovascular medicine departments’ expertise and rankings.

Locations, travel and lodging

Mayo Clinic has major campuses in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona; Jacksonville, Florida; and Rochester, Minnesota. The Mayo Clinic Health System has dozens of locations in several states.

For more information on visiting Mayo Clinic, choose your location below:

Costs and insurance

Mayo Clinic works with hundreds of insurance companies and is an in-network provider for millions of people.

In most cases, Mayo Clinic doesn’t require a physician referral. Some insurers require referrals, or may have additional requirements for certain medical care. All appointments are prioritized on the basis of medical need.

Learn more about appointments at Mayo Clinic.

Please contact your insurance company to verify medical coverage and to obtain any needed authorization prior to your visit. Often, your insurer’s customer service number is printed on the back of your insurance card.

More information about billing and insurance:

Mayo Clinic in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota

Mayo Clinic Health System

Endovascular repair for thoracic aortic aneurysm

In endovascular repair, doctors attach a synthetic graft to the end of a thin tube (catheter) that’s inserted through an artery in your leg and threaded up into your aorta. The graft — a woven tube covered by a metal mesh support — is placed at the site of the aneurysm and fastened in place with small hooks or pins. The graft reinforces the weakened section of the aorta to prevent rupture of the aneurysm.

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Types, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment

Your heart is the most important muscle in your body. During your lifetime it will pump enough blood to fill about three supertankers.

The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body. Although your aorta is a tough, durable workhorse, sometimes its walls can weaken and bulge in what is called an aortic aneurysm. This could cause a leak that spills blood into your body.

Some aortic aneurysms burst, some don’t. Others force blood flow away from your organs and tissues, causing problems, such as heart attacks, kidney damage, stroke, and even death.

Types of Aortic Aneurysms

There are two locations of aortic aneurysms. One, in the chest, is a thoracic aortic aneurysm. The other is in the abdomen and is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Thoracic aortic aneurysm. Genes play a role in your chances of having an aortic aneurysm in your chest. Conditions that people can be born with that can affect the aorta include a bicuspid aortic valve, Marfan syndrome, and Loeys-Dietz syndrome.

Other causes for thoracic aneurysm might include:

You might not know you have a thoracic aortic aneurysm because symptoms often don’t show up until the aneurysm becomes large, or bursts. But as it grows, you may notice some signs, including:

Your doctor often can diagnose a thoracic aortic aneurysm with tests such as an X-ray, an echocardiogram, CT scan, or ultrasound. It’s also often monitored on an annual basis to assess for growth.

Routine screenings, especially for specific genetic conditions, can also help your doctor find out if your chances are higher. If they are, they might prescribe medications to lower your cholesterol and reduce your blood pressure.

If your aneurysm becomes a major problem or grows rapidly in size, you might need surgery. Your doctor will replace the damaged section of your aorta with a man-made tube. Once it’s in place, the graft will make that section of the aorta stronger.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm. This can happen in the portion of your aorta that passes through your abdomen. There are usually no telltale signs to warn you that something is wrong. Still, you might have:

• Back pain
• A deep pain on the side of your abdomen
• A throbbing sensation near your navel

If the aneurysm ruptures, you might feel sick to your stomach, or suddenly develop an intense pain in your back or abdomen. You might vomit, become sweaty, or feel dizzy.

Doctors don’t really know what causes an abdominal aortic aneurysm, although they suspect a few things might play a role:

• Hardening of the arteries, which doctors also call atherosclerosis
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• Genetic predisposition

Doctors also think the risks increase if you injure yourself, have an infection, or if your blood vessels become inflamed. Genetics also play a role.

If the doctor diagnoses you with an abdominal aneurysm, there can be a chance of blood clots. Small clots can form in the area of the aneurysm, break off, and flow to the legs, kidneys, or other organs.

Diagnosis and Treatment

As with a thoracic aortic aneurysm, your doctor can sometimes detect an abdominal aortic aneurysm during a routine exam. They might suggest an ultrasound screening, too, especially if you are a man from 65 to 75 years old who has ever smoked, or they think your chances of getting an aortic aneurysm are high.

If they find a bulge, and it’s small, they might want to keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t get bigger and become a problem later. If the aneurysm is large, you might need surgery or a stenting procedure to treat it, depending on its location.

Aortic Aneurysm: Symptoms & Treatment

Overview

Aortic Aneurysm: What is it and how is it treated?

Your Aorta

The aorta is the largest artery in the body and is the blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to all parts of the body.

The section of the aorta that runs through the chest is called the thoracic aorta and, as the aorta moves down through the abdomen it is called the abdominal aorta.

What Is An Aortic Aneurysm?

An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal enlargement or bulging of the wall of the aorta. An aneurysm can occur anywhere in the vascular tree. The bulge or ballooning may be defined as a:

• Fusiform: Uniform in shape, appearing equally along an extended section and edges of the aorta.
• Saccular aneurysm: Small, lop-sided blister on one side of the aorta that forms in a weakened area of the aorta wall.

An aneurysm can develop anywhere along the aorta:

• Aneurysms that occur in the section of the aorta that runs through the abdomen (abdominal aorta) are called abdominal aortic aneurysms.
• Aortic aneurysms that occur in the chest area are called thoracic aortic aneurysms and can involve the aortic root, ascending aorta, aortic arch or descending aorta.
• Aneurysms that involve the aorta as it flows thru both the abdomen and chest are called thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms and thoracic aneurysm are not the only type of aneurysm. Aneurysms can develop in other blood vessels:

• Popliteal: an aneurysm in the artery behind the knee
• Renal: an aneurysm in the kidney; a very rare condition
• Visceral: an aneurysm in an internal organ and/or intestines

Symptoms and Causes

What are the Symptoms of Aortic Aneurysm?

Symptoms of a thoracic aortic aneurysm (affecting upper part of aorta in chest):

Symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (affecting lower part of aorta in abdomen):

• Pulsating enlargement or tender mass felt by a physician when performing a physical examination
• Pain in the back, abdomen, or groin not relieved with position change or pain medication
• Learn more about abdominal aortic aneurysm

Early diagnosis of an aneurysm is critical to managing the condition and reducing the risk of rupture. If you have these symptoms, call your doctor right away.

Resources

Find a Doctor Who Treats Aortic Aneurysm

Doctors vary in quality due to differences in training and experience; hospitals differ in the number of services available. The more complex your medical problem, the greater these differences in quality become and the more they matter.

Clearly, the doctor and hospital that you choose for complex, specialized medical care will have a direct impact on how well you do. To help you make this choice, read more about our Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute outcomes.

The Aorta Center includes a multidisciplinary group of specialists in cardiology, cardiac surgery, vascular medicine, vascular surgery, cardiothoracic anesthesia, cardiovascular imaging, genetics, ophthalmology and orthopedic surgery. These clinicians are experts in genetic and diagnostic testing, medical management and surgical and endovascular procedures. They are dedicated to providing care to patients with all types of aortic disease.

Learn more about experts who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of aorta disease.

You may also use our MyConsult second opinion consultation using the Internet.

Contact

If you need more information, click here to contact us, chat online with a nurse or call the Miller Family Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute Resource & Information Nurse at 216.445.9288 or toll-free at 866.289.6911. We would be happy to help you.

Becoming a Patient

Treatment Options

Additional information about aortic aneurysm treatment options can be found at:

Treatment Guides

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Diagnostic tests are used to diagnose your abnormal heartbeat and the most effective treatment method.

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Why choose Cleveland Clinic for your care?

Our outcomes speak for themselves. Please review our facts and figures and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask.

When Blood Vessels Bulge | NIH News in Health

March 2010

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All About Aneurysms

An aneurysm—a balloon-like bulge in an artery—can develop and grow for years without causing any symptoms. But an aneurysm is a silent threat to your health.

If an aneurysm grows too large, it can burst open, or rupture, and lead to dangerous bleeding inside the body. Aneurysms can also cause a split within the layers of an artery wall. This split, called a dissection, can lead to bleeding within the artery’s layers. Aneurysms that rupture or dissect can cause sudden death.

Many aneurysms occur in deep inside the chest, abdomen or brain. Most appear in the aorta—the main artery that carries blood from the heart down through the center of the body. About 14,000 Americans die each year from aortic aneurysms. Three-fourths of these aneurysms arise in the lower part of the aorta. These are called abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Aneurysms that occur in the chest are called thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA).

About 1 in 50 people has some type of aneurysm in the brain. Many of these are small and cause no real problems. But each year about 27,000 people in the U.S. have a ruptured brain aneurysm, which is a type of stroke.

Who’s at risk for aneurysm? “We know that family history plays a role,” says Dr. Eser Tolunay of NIH’s National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. “About 20% of aortic aneurysms have a genetic component.” Other factors that can weaken the walls of arteries and lead to aneurysms include smoking, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries), infections and trauma, such as a car crash.

Age and gender also contribute to risk. Aortic aneurysms are most common in men after age 65. Brain aneurysms appear more often in women between 30 and 60 years of age.

The symptoms of an aneurysm can vary widely and depend on its location and size. Large AAAs might cause a throbbing in the abdomen. Large TAAs may lead to pain in the back, jaw, neck or chest. Brain aneurysms can cause pain around the eye or numbness on one side of the face.

If an aneurysm ruptures or dissects, get immediate medical attention. Sudden, severe pain in the lower abdomen and back can indicate a ruptured AAA. Dissected or ruptured TAAs may cause sharp pain that travels from the upper back to the abdomen. Ruptured brain aneurysms can cause a sudden, intense headache.

However, because most aneurysms have no symptoms, they’re often found by chance during a doctor visit. “Many aneurysms are found when a patient is getting images—like MRI or CT scans—done for another reason,” says Tolunay. “Sometimes, if an abdominal aortic aneurysm is big enough, the doctor might be able to feel it during a routine physical.”

If you have an aneurysm, medications can help lower your blood pressure and reduce the risk of rupture. If the aneurysm is small, your doctor may recommend regular checkups to monitor its size. Large or quickly growing aneurysms may be treated with surgery, although surgery for brain aneurysms carries many risks. Options for aortic aneurysms include open surgery, which removes the aneurysm, or endovascular repair, which strengthens the aorta by inserting a tube, or stent.

Talk with your doctor if you have a family history of aneurysms or other risk factors. People at high risk may need routine screening to find and monitor an aneurysm. “If you’re concerned, get checked,” says Tolunay. “And certainly lifestyle changes—like stopping smoking—can help.”

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm | Johns Hopkins Medicine

An aneurysm is a weak section of an artery wall. Pressure from inside the artery causes the weakened area to bulge out beyond the normal width of the blood vessel. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an aneurysm in the lower part of the aorta, the large artery that runs through the torso.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: What You Need to Know

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm is sometimes known as AAA, or triple A.

• Older, long-term smokers are at especially high risk for abdominal aortic aneurysm.

• Many people have no symptoms and don’t know they have an aortic aneurysm until it ruptures, which is often quickly fatal.

• Symptoms, when they do occur, include pain in the back or near the naval. An extremely sharp and severe pain may indicate rupture, requiring emergency medical treatment.

• Smaller, slow-growing aortic aneurysms may be treated with watchful waiting, lifestyle changes and medication. Large or fast-growing aortic aneurysms may require surgery.

What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body. It delivers oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. An aortic aneurysm is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of the aorta. Over time, the blood vessel balloons and is at risk for bursting (rupture) or separating (dissection). This can cause life threatening bleeding and potentially death.

Aneurysms occur most often in the portion of the aorta that runs through the abdomen (abdominal aortic aneurysm). An abdominal aortic aneurysm is also called AAA or triple A. A thoracic aortic aneurysm refers to the part of the aorta that runs through the chest.

Once formed, an aneurysm will gradually increase in size and get progressively weaker. Treatment for an abdominal aneurysm may include surgical repair or removal of the aneurysm, or inserting a metal mesh coil (stent) to support the blood vessel and prevent rupture.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Shapes

The more common shape is fusiform, which balloons out on all sides of the aorta. A bulging artery isn’t classified as a true aneurysm until it increases the artery’s width by 50 percent.

A saccular shape is a bulge in just one spot on the aorta. Sometimes this is called a pseudoaneurysm. It usually means the inner layer of the artery wall is torn, which can be caused by an injury or ulcer in the artery.

What causes an abdominal aortic aneurysm to form?

Many things can cause the breakdown of the aortic wall tissues and lead to an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The exact cause isn’t fully known. But, atherosclerosis is thought to play an important role. Atherosclerosis is a buildup of plaque, which is a deposit of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium, and fibrin in the inner lining of an artery. Risk factors for atherosclerosis include:

• Age (older than age 60)

• Male (occurrence in males is 4 to 5 times greater than that of females)

• Family history (first degree relatives such as father or brother)

• Genetic factors

• High cholesterol

• High blood pressure

• Smoking

• Diabetes

• Obesity

Other diseases that may cause an abdominal aneurysm include:

• Connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Turner’s syndrome, and polycystic kidney disease

• Congenital (present at birth) defects such as bicuspid aortic valve or coarctation of the aorta

• Inflammation of the temporal arteries and other arteries in the head and neck

• Trauma

• Infection such as syphilis, salmonella, or staphylococcus (rare)

What are the symptoms of abdominal aortic aneurysms?

About 3 out of 4 abdominal aortic aneurysms don’t cause symptoms. An aneurysm may be found by X-ray, computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that was done for other reasons. Since abdominal aneurysm may not have symptoms, it’s called the “silent killer” because it may rupture before being diagnosed.

Pain is the most common symptom of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The pain associated with an abdominal aortic aneurysm may be located in the abdomen, chest, lower back, or groin area. The pain may be severe or dull. Sudden, severe pain in the back or abdomen may mean the aneurysm is about to rupture. This is a life-threatening medical emergency.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms may also cause a pulsing sensation, similar to a heartbeat, in the abdomen.

The symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm may look like other medical conditions or problems. Always see your doctor for a diagnosis.

How are aneurysms diagnosed?

Your doctor will do a complete medical history and physical exam. Other possible tests include:

• Computed tomography scan (also called a CT or CAT scan). This test uses X-rays and computer technology to make horizontal, or axial, images (often called slices) of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than standard X-rays.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This test uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.

• Echocardiogram (also called echo). This test evaluates the structure and function of the heart by using sound waves recorded on an electronic sensor that make a moving picture of the heart and heart valves, as well as the structures within the chest, such as the lungs and the area around the lungs and the chest organs.

• Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). This test uses echocardiography to check for aneurysm, the condition of heart valves, or presence of a tear of the lining of the aorta. TEE is done by inserting a probe with a transducer on the end down the throat.

• Chest X-ray. This test uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to make images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.

• Arteriogram (angiogram). This is an X-ray image of the blood vessels that is used to assess conditions such as aneurysm, narrowing of the blood vessel, or blockages. A dye (contrast) will be injected through a thin, flexible tube placed in an artery. The dye makes the blood vessels visible on an X-ray.

What is the treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysms?

Treatment may include:

• Monitoring with MRI or CT. These tests are done to check the size and rate of growth of the aneurysm.

• Managing risk factors. Steps, such as quitting smoking, controlling blood sugar if you have diabetes, losing weight if overweight, and eating a healthy diet may help control the progression of the aneurysm.

• Medicine. Used to control factors such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure.

• Surgery:

  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm open repair. A large incision is made in the abdomen to let the surgeon see and repair the abdominal aorta aneurysm. A mesh, metal coil-like tube called a stent or graft may be used. This graft is sewn to the aorta, connecting one end of the aorta at the site of the aneurysm to the other end. The open repair is the surgical standard for an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

  • Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). EVAR requires only small incisions in the groin. Using X-ray guidance and specially-designed instruments, the surgeon can repair the aneurysm by inserting the stent or graft inside the aorta. The graft material may cover the stent. The stent helps hold the graft open and in place.

A small aneurysm or one that doesn’t cause symptoms may not require surgery until it reaches a certain size or is rapidly increasing in size over a short period of time. Your doctor may recommend “watchful waiting.” This may include an ultrasound, duplex scan, or CT scan every 6 months to closely monitor the aneurysm, and blood pressure medicine may be used to control high blood pressure.

If the aneurysm is causing symptoms or is large, your doctor may recommend surgery.

Surgery

Surgery may be necessary if the aneurysm is large or fast growing, increasing chances of rupture. Women with large aneurysms are more likely than men to suffer a rupture.

For suprarenal (above the kidneys) AAA, only open surgery is available in the U.S. right now, though Johns Hopkins vascular surgeons are involved in endovascular device trials that may be a suitable option. However, AAA at or below the kidneys may be treated by open or endovascular surgery. Endovascular means “within the blood vessel” and is considered minimally invasive.

Not all patients can tolerate the risk of open surgery, so endovascular repair is a great option. Unfortunately, not all patients have the anatomy to qualify for endovascular repair. Consult your vascular surgeon about which technique is best for you.

• Open aneurysm repair: A large incision is made in the abdomen to repair the aneurysm. Another incision is made in the aorta for the length of the aneurysm. A cylinder called a graft is used for the repair. Grafts are made of polyester fabric or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, nontextile synthetic graft). This graft is sewn to the aorta, from just above the aneurysm site to just below it. The artery walls are then sewn over the graft.

• Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR): A small incision is made in the groin. Using X-ray guidance, a stent graft is inserted into the femoral artery and sent to the site of the aneurysm. A stent is a thin metal mesh framework shaped into a long tube, while the graft, a fabric covering the mesh, is made of a polyester fabric called PTFE. The stent holds the graft open and in place.  EVAR is used only for an infrarenal (below the kidneys) AAA. It may be more easily tolerated by high-risk patients. However, the graft can sometimes slip out of place and may later need to be fixed.

• Fenestrated stent graft: When the aneurysm is juxtarenal (at the kidneys) or involves the arteries of the kidneys, the prior standard treatment has been open surgery. That’s because a traditional stent graft has no openings to accommodate the branching of the aorta to the kidneys. In 2012, the FDA approved a fenestrated stent graft, now available in a few vascular surgery programs, including Johns Hopkins. The fenestrated stent graft is made to the precise size of each patient’s aorta so the openings for the renal (kidney) arteries are in just the right place to maintain kidney circulation.

What is aortic dissection?

An aortic dissection starts with a tear in the inner layer of the aortic wall of the thoracic aorta. The aortic wall is made up of 3 layers of tissue. When a tear occurs in the innermost layer of the aortic wall, blood is then channeled into the wall of the aorta separating the layers of tissues. This generates a weakening in the aortic wall with a potential for rupture. Aortic dissection can be a life-threatening emergency. The most commonly reported symptom of an aortic dissection is sudden, severe, constant chest or upper back pain, sometimes described as “ripping” or “tearing.” The pain may move from one place to another.

When a diagnosis of aortic dissection is confirmed, immediate surgery or stenting is usually done.

What causes aortic dissection?

The cause of aortic dissection is unclear. However, several risk factors associated with aortic dissection include:

• High blood pressure

• Connective tissue disorders, such as Marfan’s disease, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and Turner’s syndrome

• Cystic medial disease (a degenerative disease of the aortic wall)

• Aortitis (inflammation of the aorta)

• Atherosclerosis

• Bicuspid aortic valve (presence of only 2 cusps, or leaflets, in the aortic valve, rather than the normal 3 cusps)

• Trauma

• Coarctation of the aorta (narrowing of the aorta)

• Excess fluid or volume in the circulation (hypervolemia)

• Polycystic kidney disease (a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts filled with fluid in the kidneys)

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Abdominal aortic aneurysm – NHS

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a bulge or swelling in the aorta, the main blood vessel that runs from the heart down through the chest and tummy.

An AAA can be dangerous if it is not spotted early on.

It can get bigger over time and could burst (rupture), causing life-threatening bleeding.

Screening for AAA is routinely offered by the NHS to all men aged 65 and over.

Women aged 70 or over, who have underlying risk factors such as high blood pressure, may also be advised to attend screening for AAA.

Symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)

AAAs do not usually cause any obvious symptoms, and are often only picked up during screening or tests carried out for another reason.

Some people with an AAA have:

• a pulsing sensation in the tummy (like a heartbeat)
• tummy pain that does not go away
• lower back pain that does not go away

If an AAA bursts, it can cause:

Call 999 for an ambulance immediately if you or someone else develops symptoms of a burst AAA.

When to get medical help

Make an appointment to see a GP as soon as possible if you have symptoms, especially if you’re at a higher risk of an AAA.

An ultrasound scan of your tummy may be done to check if you have one.

Call 999 for an ambulance immediately if you or someone else develops symptoms of a burst AAA.

Who’s at risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)

An AAA can form if the sides of the aorta weaken and balloon outwards. It’s not always clear why this happens, but there are things that increase the risk.

People at a higher risk of getting an AAA include all men aged 66 or over and women aged 70 or over who have one or more of the following risk factors:

• high blood pressure
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• high blood cholesterol
• a family history of AAA
• cardiovascular disease, such as heart disease or a history of stroke
• they smoke or have previously smoked

Speak to a GP if you’re worried you may be at risk of an AAA. They may suggest having a scan and making healthy lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of an AAA.

Treatments for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)

The recommended treatment for an AAA depends on how big it is.

Treatment is not always needed straight away if the risk of an AAA bursting is low.

Treatment for a:

• small AAA (3cm to 4.4cm across) – ultrasound scans are recommended every year to check if it’s getting bigger; you’ll be advised about healthy lifestyle changes to help stop it growing
• medium AAA (4.5cm to 5.4cm) – ultrasound scans are recommended every 3 months to check if it’s getting bigger; you’ll also be advised about healthy lifestyle changes
• large AAA (5.5cm or more) – surgery to stop it getting bigger or bursting is usually recommended

Ask your doctor if you’re not sure what size your AAA is.

Reducing your risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)

There are several things you can do to reduce your chances of getting an AAA or help stop one getting bigger.

These include:

If you have a condition that increases your risk of an AAA, such as high blood pressure, your GP may also recommend taking tablets to treat this.

Screening for AAAs

In England, screening for AAAs is offered to men during the year they turn 65. This can help spot a swelling in the aorta early on, when it can be treated.

The test involves a quick and painless ultrasound scan to see how big your aorta is.

If you’re a man over 65 and you have not been screened, you can ask for a test by contacting your local AAA screening service directly.

Women aged 70 or other with underlying risk factors such as high blood pressure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may also benefit from an ultrasound scan. You will need to ask a GP for a referral as women are not currently routinely invited for scanning.

Read more about screening for an AAA.

Video: abdominal aortic aneurysm

This video shows what an abdominal aortic aneurysm looks like.

Media last reviewed: 5 November 2018
Media review due: 5 November 2021

Page last reviewed: 21 May 2020
Next review due: 21 May 2023

Surgical intervention (operation) for small abdominal aortic aneurysms that do not cause symptoms

Aneurysm is a globular swelling / enlargement of an artery (blood vessel) that, in the case of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (ABA), occurs in the main artery of the abdominal cavity (aorta) … A ruptured AAA can be fatal if reconstructive surgery is not performed immediately, which can be difficult to achieve. Surgery is considered necessary in people with more than 5 aneurysms.5 cm in diameter or in which aneurysms are painful to relieve symptoms or reduce the risk of rupture [aneurysm] or death. However, there are risks associated with the operation. Surgical repair involves the insertion of a prosthetic insert / implant, either through open surgery [through the abdominal cavity] or through endovascular [intravascular] repair.

Small, asymptomatic AAAs have a low risk of rupture and are monitored with regular imaging tests and if they subsequently enlarge they can be surgically repaired.This review identified four well-designed, controlled trials that randomized 3,314 participants with small (4 to 5.5 cm diameter) asymptomatic AAA into groups for immediate recovery (surgery) or regular ultrasound to check for aneurysm growth (follow-up). Among patients randomized to the observation group, an aneurysm was operated if it increased in size, reaching 5.5 cm in diameter, or became symptomatic (accompanied by symptoms).Four trials showed a benefit in early survival in the observation group due to the number of deaths within 30 days after surgery (postoperative mortality). Clinical trials have shown no significant difference in long-term survival between immediate reconstructive surgery and selective observation for three to eight years. About 31% – 75% of the participants randomized to follow-up ended up undergoing surgery for an aneurysm. Overall, the risk of bias within the included studies was low and the quality of the evidence was high.The results of four trials conducted to date suggest, overall, no benefit from immediate surgery for small AAAs (4.0 cm to 5.5 cm). A pooled analysis of two clinical trials comparing immediate open surgery with observation showed that this result was valid regardless of the patient’s age and the size of the aneurysm (ranging from 4.0 cm to 5.5 cm in diameter). In addition, more recent studies that have focused on the effectiveness of endovascular surgical repair have also failed to show an advantage over follow-up.Quality of life results among clinical trials have been conflicting. Thus, neither immediate open nor immediate endovascular surgical repair of small AAA is supported by the existing evidence.

Vascular Surgery – International Private Patient Services

BASIC DATA

PROVIDED DESTINATIONS AND SERVICES:

• Surgery of diseases of the ascending aorta and arch, aneurysm and diseases of the thoracic and thoracoabdominal aorta
• Surgery of aneurysm and diseases of the abdominal aorta
• Surgery for supraortic, visceral, renal and peripheral vascular diseases
• Diabetic foot surgery

NUMBER OF PROCEDURES PERFORMED (PER YEAR):

• 1,000 vascular operations

The department annually performs more than 1,000 surgical procedures for patients suffering from a wide range of vascular diseases.Clinical activities of the Department are focused on the treatment of aortic aneurysms, occlusive cerebrovascular diseases, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) using open and endovascular methods, providing dialysis access and minimally invasive methods of treating venous diseases. Open aneurysm reconstruction used to be the standard surgical treatment for aortic aneurysms, but surgeons at the San Donato Clinical Research Institute are now able to treat 90,030 many abdominal, thoracic, and thoracic abdominal aneurysms (occurring in the lower thoracic aorta and upper abdominal aorta) using a minimally invasive procedure called endovascular stent transplantation. Professor Giovanni Nano is considered a pioneer in vascular treatment, his Department is one of the first centers in Italy, which as early as in 1995 started the endovascular treatment program, starting with the professor’s studies in the Vascular Surgery Section at the Cardiovascular Institute of Buenos Aires, headed by By Dr. JC Parodi, as well as in the Department of Surgery of the University of Sydney (led by Dr. G. H. White) and the Arizona Institute of Cardiology (Dr. Dietrich).

TREATMENT

Open, Endovascular or Hybrid Surgery for Diseases of the Ascending Aorta, Arch, Chest, Thoracoabdominal and Abdominal Cavities

Thoracic aortic aneurysm, an abnormal bulge in a weakened aortic wall in the chest or abdomen, can cause a variety of symptoms and often life-threatening complications. Due to the serious risks that aneurysm poses, timely diagnosis and treatment is critical.Since the 1980s, the Clinical Research Institute Policlinico San Donato has been treating aortic pathology using standard open surgical treatment. However, in order to minimize postoperative complications, the Department has developed less invasive techniques using endovascular and hybrid techniques. In 2016, Professor Nano performed for the first time in Italy a complete endovascular repair of the aortic arch aneurysm using the Nexus endovascular graft.

Since then, the Department has performed over 1,000 procedures for abdominal aortic reconstruction (EVAR) / endovascular thoracic aortic reconstruction (TEVAR) and 5,000 open aortic procedures; The Department treats all types of aortic diseases, providing patients with the opportunity to undergo treatment using new transcatheter methods along with traditional surgical treatment.

Main Pathologies to be treated:

• Ascending aortic aneurysm
• Aneurysm of the aortic arch
• Aneurysm of the thoracic aorta
• Thoracoabdominal aneurysm
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm
• Penetrating ulcer of the aorta of the whole aorta (PJA)
• Acute aortic dissection and chronic aortic dissecting aneurysm
• Intramural hematoma (IMH)

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) causes intermittent claudication (that is, difficulty walking due to pain in the limbs) and in later stages defines critical limb ischemia with foot ulcers.

The Department has performed more than 1,500 endovascular procedures and 2,000 surgical revascularizations for PAD, diabetic foot and limb rescue. Visceral / renal diseases and aneurysms of the arteries of the extremities are treated in the Department using endovascular methods such as stent graft implantation, hybrid debranching or open surgical access.

Carotid Endarterectomy (CEE)

Carotid endarterectomy (CEE) is a routine procedure performed in patients who have survived a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which in turn is caused by a serious carotid artery disease.For these patients, carotid endarterectomy may simply be necessary to prevent future strokes. The department launched its endovascular carotid artery disease program in 1992. Since then, more than 5,000 patients have undergone CEE and more than 1,000 patients have been treated with carotid stenting (CCA).

Superficial Vein Surgery

Superficial vein operations are performed for two main reasons. Firstly, due to varicose veins. In combination with varicose vein removal, ligation and vein removal is often done to prevent recurrence of varicose veins.This procedure is usually performed if there are signs of valve failure in the main veins, which is causing varicose veins.

Ligation and removal of veins (stripping) are also performed when blood stagnation occurs due to venous insufficiency and patients suffer from symptoms of this insufficiency. Symptoms include leg swelling, skin changes, pain and, in severe cases, ulceration. Removing a malfunctioning vein helps control symptoms and, if ulcers develop, helps the ulcers heal.

Surgical removal or vein stripping is rarely used, but in some situations these procedures may be recommended for the treatment of superficial venous thrombosis or phlebitis. Endovenous thermal ablation, performed with a laser catheter, is a newer technique that uses a laser or high-frequency radio waves to create intense localized heat in a varicose vein or poorly functioning vein. Heat is directed through the catheter to close the vessel of interest.With this procedure, problematic veins are closed while remaining in place, so bleeding and bruising is minimal.

Compared to ligation and vein removal procedures, many patients find that intravenous thermal ablation results in less pain and a faster return to normal activities, with similar cosmetic results. The department launched an advanced endovenous program in 2013, and in total, since 1980, more than 10,000 procedures have been performed using the surgical or endovenous method.

MODERN TECHNOLOGICAL EQUIPMENT

• Latest generation Eco Duplex Scanner;
• 3D Angiograph

An example of the effect of lumbar lordosis on the compression of abdominal veins

To change the language click on the British flag first

On this page, I will give several examples of the mechanism of lordotic compression of structures in front of the spine, leading to abdominal compression syndromes.

In the first example, severe lordosis compresses the hollow crown below the patient:

On color Doppler images, blood flow is encoded in different colors:

Red is assigned to the flow to the surface of the body,

blue is assigned to the stream separating it from the surface of the body,

green is assigned to turbulent flow, which indicates acceleration or pathological disturbances in blood flow.

The above images show the fact of compression of the vena cava by the Lordon spine.Initially, when the vein is still wide, the flow rate is -22 cm / sec. A few centimeters higher, when turbulence occurs, the flow rate rapidly increases to eight times the normal value.

The figure below shows severe compression of the left renal vein in Nutcracker syndrome. Compression occurs when the anterior bulge of the lumbar spine is pressed against the aorta from behind. The elevated aorta then compresses the left vein from behind, causing a sharp acceleration of the flow up to 346 cm / s in the veins! This is about 15 times the normal flow rate in the left renal vein.The figures below show the effect of decompression while actively stretching the lumbar spine, thereby counteracting lordosis and reducing lordotic pressure. The turbulence disappears almost completely, and the flow rate drops to the ninth of the previous values, indicating a decrease in venous pressure in the same range.

The figures below show the effect of lumbar spine pressure on the compression of the left renal vein in the arterial nutcracker, observed in a horizontal section.

The traditional view of Nutcracker syndrome is that the vein is clamped by both branches of the Nutcracker – the superior mesenteric artery in front of the vein, and the aorta behind the vein. But observations in patients who have had the superior mesenteric artery transplanted downward for relief from Fork’s syndrome clearly show that decompression of the frontal branch of the Nutcracker – the superior mesenteric artery – does not sufficiently reduce the pressure of the left renal vein. The main pressure is exerted by the aorta from behind!

In the left image, the patient is in a relaxed, “normal” body posture.The left renal vein is almost completely compressed by the aorta from behind.

In the correct image, the patient relieves pressure on the lumbar spine by stretching it. The effect is clearly visible: The left renal vein is dilated by decreasing the aortic pressure. Since the aorta is tightly connected to the lumbar spine, it functions as a lifting bar. High pressure in the aorta makes the vessel more rigid. Thus, it can transfer pressure from the lumbar spine to structures in front of the aorta.

Evaluation of the effect of lordosis on vascular compression syndromes is based on the PixelFlux method.

This method provides an unprecedentedly detailed description of the hemodynamic effect of vascular compression syndromes and their treatment.

The following diagram shows the effect of lordosis on the left renal vein in patients with Nutcracker syndrome. Here, the suppression of perfusion of the left renal vein is obviously most pronounced in maximal lordosis and decreases due to flexion of the hip joint and, consequently, a decrease in lordosis of the lumbar spine.

The left diagram below shows the effect of obstruction of the left renal venous outflow on the perfusion of the left renal parenchyma (links). PixelFlux measurements show suppression of blood flow in the left kidney (s) by about 1/10 to 1/4 of the right kidney, depending on the parenchymal vessel layer (proximal and distal cerebral cortex).

PixelFlux measurements alone clearly show that Nutcracker Nutcracker Syndrome has a profound effect on left (links) renal perfusion.Such measurements are a prerequisite for making the right decision, whether in operation or not.

In the diagram on the right, the success of vascular surgery is once again demonstrated by the PixelFlux technique. An increase in left renal perfusion can be demonstrated and reaches a factor of 4-10, again depending on the cortical layer.

90,000 aortic sinus is … What is aortic sinus?

90,000 What are the symptoms of aortic aneurysm?

One reason aneurysms are so dangerous is that the symptoms of aortic aneurysms are often very subtle or absent. While some may not experience symptoms of an aortic aneurysm, it is important for those who do it to be aware of what is happening. Their lives depend on it.

Aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the aorta, the main artery of the body, that is caused by a weak spot in the wall. There are two main types of aortic aneurysms. The first is known as an abdominal aortic aneurysm and is usually located in the midsection of the body, near the general region of the stomach. Another type is known as a thoracic aortic aneurysm, and is usually found in the chest area. Ascending aneurysms and descending aneurysms are thoracic aneurysms. Aneurysms can appear in other parts of the body, but are more common in these two areas.

Symptoms of an aortic aneurysm in the abdominal region include chest pain, which can lead to the back. This pain can spread to lower areas of the body, even spreading to the groin and legs over time. Some may feel a pulse, especially around the navel. Cold feet, black or blue toes, and even fever and weight loss are other symptoms of aortic aneurysm, especially if these conditions last for weeks or months.

Symptoms may vary slightly with thoracic aortic aneurysms and, as with abdominal aortic aneurysms, may not appear at all.In this case, the pain may be felt again in the back or chest. Patients may develop a cough and find it difficult to breathe deeply. Some people may find it difficult or painful to swallow. If this occurs and symptoms persist for a long period of time, the patient should see a healthcare professional.

In case of rupture, the symptoms of aortic aneurysm become much more noticeable and the victim should be taken to hospital immediately. The person may experience pain that comes on suddenly or is very severe.He or she will also have a sharp drop in blood pressure and is likely to have shock symptoms such as cold sweats or intense thirst if still conscious. An untreated ruptured aneurysm will result in death, usually minutes or hours after rupture. Approximately 50 percent of those suffering from ruptured aneurysms die before they reach the hospital, and many others die after they are admitted to hospital.

OTHER LANGUAGES

Aortic aneurysm surgery in China

This information is for general information only and should not be construed as medical advice from the Med-Turizm website.ru. All decisions about treatment, action after treatment and action during recovery should only be made after proper consultation with a qualified physician.

What is aortic aneurysm?
Aortic aneurysm is a weakening and bulging in the aorta, the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the body.
Depending on the size of the aneurysm and other factors, your doctor may recommend surgery.

How is aortic aneurysm treated?
Surgery is currently the only effective treatment for aortic aneurysm.To strengthen the aorta and to prevent re-rupture, a filling or artificial blood vessel is sewn into the site of the aneurysm.

Open aneurysm surgery:
Open abdominal or chest surgery, which involves removing the damaged section of the aorta and replacing it with a synthetic tube (graft), which is sutured in this place.

Endovascular Aneurysm Treatment (EVLA):
The operation is performed from the inside of your aorta using catheters (long thin tubes).Catheters are inserted through small incisions into the groin, through which a synthetic graft is inserted through the blood vessels to the site of the aneurysm and delivered. The graft strengthens the weakened portion of the aorta to prevent rupture of the aneurysm.

Length of hospital stay: Typically 7 days in hospital

Anesthesia: General anesthesia

Recovery: Full recovery from open surgery can take anywhere from 4 weeks to 3 months.Recovery takes less time after endovascular surgery.

Risks: Surgical treatment of aortic aneurysm is a major operation that carries a lot of risk. The mortality rate for open surgery can be 4% or higher, depending on your medical condition and the ability of the surgeons.

Aortic aneurysm surgery – For more information

90,000 Arterial aneurysms I Nord Klinik Allianz

Treatment of arterial aneurysm in Germany

Often, the aneurysm does not cause any symptoms.This disease affects various arteries. Some of its types require surgical correction to prevent rupture. However, usually only those that pose an immediate threat to the patient’s life are operated on.

Types of aneurysms

Aneurysms are classified according to their location in the body. The most common aneurysms of the arteries of the heart and brain. It is the weakening of the wall of the artery, which creates a bulge, or swelling, of the artery.

A bulge can have two basic shapes:

• Spindle-shaped (protrudes from all sides of the vessel)
• Sacral (protrudes only on one side)

Aortic aneurysm of the heart

The most common is the abdominal aortic aneurysm, less common is the thoracic aortic aneurysm.

Aneurysm of cerebral vessels

Known as intracranial aneurysms, and due to their appearance also as “berry” aneurysms.

Peripheral aneurysm

Types of peripheral aneurysm include:

• Popliteal
• Splenic artery
• The mesenteric artery, which transports blood to the intestines
• Femoral artery in groin
• Carotid artery in the neck
• Visceral aneurysm of the arteries that supply blood to the intestines or kidneys

Treatment

Not all cases of unruptured aneurysm require active treatment.The doctor can simply control it if symptoms do not appear. Medicines and preventive measures can be part of conservative treatment or be used in conjunction with active surgical treatment.

A ruptured aneurysm requires urgent surgery.

The decision to operate on an unruptured aortic aneurysm depends on a number of patient-specific factors:

• age, general health, comorbid conditions and personal choice of the patient
• the size of the aneurysm in relation to its location in the chest or abdominal cavity and its growth rate
• Chronic abdominal pain or risk of thromboembolism

There are two options for aneurysm removal:

• Open surgery for synthetic or stent graft placement
• endovascular surgery and stent-graft installation

In endovascular surgery, the surgeon gains access to the blood vessels through a small incision in the thigh.

In open surgery, a large incision is made in the abdomen.

Brain surgery is only performed if there is a high risk of rupture. The potential risk of brain damage from surgical complications is too high. Patients receive guidance on how to control and manage risk factors, such as training in blood pressure monitoring.

Symptoms

Most aneurysms do not manifest themselves in any way. Symptoms usually only occur at the rupture.However, it can interfere with blood circulation to the tissues, and blood clots can form that interfere with the small blood vessels. This condition, known as thromboembolism, can lead to ischemic stroke or other serious complications.

Aneurysms can cause severe chest pain. Fast-growing abdominal aneurysms can cause abdominal pain, lower back pain, or a throbbing sensation in the abdomen. Thoracic aneurysms can also affect nearby nerves and other blood vessels, potentially causing problems with swallowing and breathing, as well as pain in the jaw, chest, and upper back.

Symptoms may also relate to the cause rather than the aneurysm itself. For example, in the case of an aneurysm caused by vasculitis or inflammation of the blood vessels, the person may experience fever, malaise, or weight loss.

Risk factors

Some habits and physical characteristics that can increase the chance of aneurysm:

• smoking
• hypertension, or high blood pressure
• poor nutrition
• inactive lifestyle
• obesity

90,022

Cost of aneurysm removal surgery

The price of removal of an aortic aneurysm or any other you can by filling out the application form on the website or by contacting us in any other way convenient for you.