Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Man

The abdominal aorta is the largest blood vessel in the abdomen. When an area of the abdominal aorta becomes weak and expands, it is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Aneurysms are a serious health risk because they can burst and cause internal bleeding. This increases the risk of shock or death.

Radiologists can perform tests to help your doctor diagnose an abdominal aortic aneurysm. These tests include abdominal ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan.

Your vascular surgeon may recommend different treatment options depending upon your condition. One possible treatment is open aneurysm repair, which replaces the weak portion of the aorta. More than 90 percent of open aneurysm repairs are successful, according to the Society for Vascular Surgery.

Another treatment option for some patients is an endovascular stent graft, which is less invasive than open surgery and requires a shorter hospital stay.

Read Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Details

Sources:
VascularWeb.org, Web site of the Society for Vascular Surgery;
Virginia Interventional and Vascular Associates

“More than 90 percent of open aneurysm repairs are successful. Another treatment option for some patients is an endovascular stent graft, which is less invasive than open surgery and requires a shorter hospital stay.”