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DEFINITION
An
aortic aneurysm is a weak, bulging area in the wall of the
aorta. The bulging develops from a weakness or defect in the
aortic wall and tends to get bigger with time. The aorta is
the body's largest artery. It carries blood from the heart
for delivery to the rest of the body. The aorta travels through
the chest (thoracic aorta) and the abdomen (abdominal aorta).
Abdominal aortic aneurysms are more common than thoracic aortic
aneurysms.
The greatest
danger is that an aneurysm will rupture. This will cause heavy,
uncontrollable bleeding (hemorrhage). Aortic aneurysms can
also occur with aortic dissection. Dissection is defined as
a small tear in the aortic wall. Blood from the aneurysm can
leak through this tear and spread between the layers of the
aortic wall, eventually leading to rupture of the vessel.
Aneurysms
can develop anywhere, but are most common in the aorta, iliac
artery and femoral artery.
TREATMENT
Treatment includes surgery or stenting. Surgery Surgery
to repair an aortic aneurysm is called aneurysmectomy. It
involves removing the portion of the aorta that contains the
aneurysm and replacing it with a mesh graft. With aneurysms
of the thoracic aorta, the aortic valve may also be affected
and need to be replaced or repaired. If the aneurysm involves
important branches of the aorta, these vessels may either
be repaired or bypassed.
Stenting
Depending
on where the aneurysm is located and how complex it is, stenting
may be done. A stent-graft is a polyester tube covered by
a tubular metal web. The stent-graft is inserted through a
small incision in the upper thigh into the aorta. Using x-ray,
it is guided through the aorta to the site of the aneurysm.
With the stent-graft in place, blood flows through the stent-graft
instead of into the aneurysm, eliminating the chance of rupture.
BENEFITS
There are dramatic benefits to Minimally Invasive Cardiac
Surgery. Surgery without major incision minimizes tissue damage
allowing for a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery time.
Patients also enjoy reduced post-operative pain and less scarring
than open surgery.
FIND
A DOCTOR
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