Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is caused by a progressive weakening of the aortic wall. The vessel dilates or balloons and will eventually rupture when untreated.

Diagnosing and treating abdominal aortic aneurysms early on can prevent further damage. While we still perform surgery on this type of aneurysm, many of our patients qualify for the less invasive and less complicated surgical approach.

Risk Factors

Major risk factors for abdominal aortic aneurysms include:

• Smoking
• Having high blood pressure and being 60 years old or more
• Having a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysms
• Being a male over 50 (Men are more likely than women to suffer from AAA.)

Many patients have no abdominal aortic aneurysm symptoms. This is why it is important to get a vascular screening if you meet any of the risk factors. Most AAAs are diagnosed today using ultrasound scan or CAT scans, simple exams that are non-invasive and can be done as an outpatient.

Treatment

The vascular surgeons at UM BWMC are skilled in the use of advanced minimally invasive endovascular techniques for aneurysm repair. These procedures usually require only two needle sticks. Patients stay one-night stay in the hospital, with discharge on the following day. Endovascular repairs are also associated with extremely low complication rates and minimal post-operative pain compared with conventional open repairs.

For more information or to make an appointment with the Vascular Center at UM BWMC, call 410-553-8300.