Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Beaumont is the leader in abdominal aortic disease treatments using minimally invasive techniques.

What is Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is when the large blood vessel that supplies blood to the abdomen, pelvis, and legs becomes abnormally large or balloons outward. An abdominal aortic aneurysm may be caused by multiple factors that result in the breaking down of the well-organized structural components (proteins) of the aortic wall that provide support and stabilize the wall. The exact cause is not fully known.

Risk Factors for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Age (greater than 60)
Male (occurrence in males is four to five times greater than that of females)
Family History (first degree relatives such as father or brother)
Genetic Factors
Hyperlipidemia (elevated fats in the blood)
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Smoking
Diabetes

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Diagnosis

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for an abdominal aortic aneurysm may include any, or a combination, of a CT scan, MRI, ultrasound or arteriogram.

computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, 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 general x-rays.

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.

ultrasound - uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs as they function, and to assess blood flow through various vessels.

arteriogram (angiogram) - an x-ray image of the blood vessels used to evaluate various conditions, such as aneurysm, stenosis (narrowing of the blood vessel), or blockages. A dye (contrast) will be injected through a thin flexible tube placed in an artery. This dye makes the blood vessels visible on x-ray.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Treatment

Specific treatment will be determined by your physician based on:

Your age, overall health, and medical history
Extent of the disease
Your signs and symptoms
Your tolerance of specific medications, procedures, or therapies
Expectations for the course of the disease
Your opinion or preference

Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm may include:

routine ultrasound procedures - to monitor the size and rate of growth of the aneurysm

controlling or modifying risk factors - steps such as quitting smoking, controlling blood sugar if diabetic, losing weight if overweight or obese, and controlling dietary fat intake may help to control the progression of the aneurysm

medication - to control factors such as hyperlipidemia (elevated levels of fats in the blood) and/or high blood pressure

surgery - two surgical approaches available

1) abdominal aortic aneurysm open repair
A large incision is made in the abdomen to directly visualize the abdominal aorta and repair the aneurysm. A cylinder-like tube called a graft may be used to repair the aneurysm. Grafts are made of various materials such as Dacron (textile polyester synthetic graft) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, non-textile synthetic graft). 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 considered the surgical standard for an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.
2) endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR)
EVAR is a procedure that requires only small incisions in the groin along with the use of x-ray guidance and specially-designed instruments to repair the aneurysm. With the use of special endovascular instruments and x-ray images for guidance, a stent-graft is inserted via the femoral artery and advanced up into the aorta to the site of the aneurysm. A stent-graft is a long cylinder-like tube made of thin metal mesh framework (stent), while the graft is made of various materials such as Dacron or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The graft material may cover the stent. The stent helps to hold the graft open and in place.

Learn more about abdominal aortic aneurysms.

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Aneurysm Clinic

Learn more about the treatment options at the Aortic Aneurysm & Dissection Clinic.