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Each year approximately 200,000 new cases of abdominal aortic aneurysms are diagnosed. Also known as a AAA, an abdominal aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the aorta which could rupture with life-threatening results. If you or a loved one has this disease, you may be seeking information on how it can be treated. One new treatment option is endovascular repair using an endovascular graft. |
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This information has been provided as a courtesy from Gore & Associates. This brochure will help you learn more about risk factors and common symptoms as well as a less-invasive method of treating an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Whether you're trying to reduce your risk or supporting a loved one diagnosed with a AAA, we hope this information will be helpful to you and your family.
This is an informational and referral guide only, and is not intended to diagnose a medical condition. As with any surgery or medical procedure, the best resource for nformation and advice is your doctor.
What is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)?
An abdominal aortic aneurysm is the swelling or ballooning of the abdominal aorta. The aorta is the main artery that carries oxygen-filled blood from the heart to all parts of the body. In the abdomen, the aorta splits (bifurcates) into the iliac arteries, which carry blood to the legs and other lower areas of the body.
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An aneurysm is a ballooning of the aorta which results from a weakened section in the artery that cannot support the force of blood flow Although an aneurysm can occur in any artery of the body, it is most common in the abdominal aorta and the iliac arteries. While the aorta's diameter normally ranges from 3 / 4 -inch to 1 -inch, an aneurysm can cause it to grow to several times its normal size. This condition, if not treated, could result in a rupture (bursting) of the aorta. The risk of rupture increases with aneurysm size and high blood pressure. Ruptured aneurysms are frequently fatal and are a leading cause of death in the US .
What are Some of the Symptoms of an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)?
Many people do not experience any symptoms of a AAA . Because of this, it is very important to speak with your doctor about your risk of having or developing AAA disease. When symptoms do occur, pain is most commonly experienced. This can occur in the abdomen, back or chest area. Some patients describe the pain as anything from a mild pain to a severe pain or tenderness in the mid or upper abdomen or lower back. Other patients can feel the aneurysm as a pulsating or throbbing mass in their abdomen. Again, many people may not experience any of these symptoms, yet still be found to have a AAA. Your doctor may discover a AAA during a routine physical exam. Your doctor may feel a bulge or pulsation (throbbing) in your abdomen. Most often, aneurysms are found during a medical test such as a CT Scan (also known as Computed Tomography or CAT Scan) or ultrasound.
What Causes an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)?
How Do Doctors Treat an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)?
If you are at risk for developing an aneurysm, your doctor may recommend periodic screening. This is commonly done with a simple physical exam and possibly CT Scan or ultrasound . Your doctor may also prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure.
The size and location of the abdominal aortic aneurysm , and your general health, will determine how your aneurysm should be treated. When the aneurysm is small, your doctor may only recommend periodic check-ups to monitor the aneurysm. However, a larger, or rapidly growing (expanding) aneurysm poses more risk of bursting ( rupture ), and as such,may require treatment. Two procedural options are available if your doctor feels treatment is necessary.
open surgical repair
endovascular repair
When Treatment Becomes Necessary, What are My Treatment Options?
Open Surgical Repair
Open surgical repair has been the traditional choice to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms . During this type of operation, the doctor makes an incision (cut) in the abdomen or side of the patient and repairs the aorta by replacing the diseased section ( aneurysm ) with a synthetic graft (tube) that is sewn into place with suture. This procedure requires stopping the flow of blood through the aorta while the graft is being put into place. Open surgical repair is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes about 2 to 4 hours to complete. Patients usually stay overnight in the intensive care unit and another 5 to 7 days in the hospital. Depending on how quickly your body heals, hospitalization and recovery time may take about 3 months.
Although open repair is a proven medical procedure, not all patients can tolerate this major operation. Ask your doctor about the risks associated with an open procedure as they relate to your overall health condition.
Endovascular Repair
Endovascular repair is a relatively new procedure for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Less invasive than open surgery, it involves excluding (sealing off) the aneurysm by placing an endovascular graft inside of the diseased aorta, making a new path for the blood to flow. The endovascular graft (GORE EXCLUDER ® AAA Endoprosthesis) remains inside the aorta permanently through the use of metal prongs, or anchors, as well as a tight fit (radial force) against the wall of the aorta. |
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Endovascular repair may be performed under general, regional or local anesthesia while the patient remains conscious (awake) but sedated, and typically takes 1 to 3 hours to complete. Patients may have a hospital stay of only a few days and can usually return to normal activity within 6 weeks after the procedure.
This procedure does require routine, periodic follow-up visits with your doctor. Tests are performed to evaluate the procedure and monitor the success of the treatment.
Not every patient is a candidate for endovascular repair. With this in mind, please check with your doctor to see if you are a candidate. If you would like to learn more about abdominal aortic aneurysms, types of therapy, or more information about the GORE EXCLUDER ® AAA Endoprosthesis, visit the Gore Medical web site.
This procedure is offered at Tri-City Medical Center
Appointments & Scheduling at TCMC & TCMC Outpatient