Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

What is Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?

Patients

An aortic aneurysm is a weak area in the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. As blood flows through the aorta, the weak area bulges like a balloon and can burst if it gets too big. The most common site for this to occur is in the abdomen.

This condition occurs in 5 to 7 percent of people over the age of 60. If it goes undetected and a large aneurysm develops and bursts, it is a life threatening condition.

Men are four times more likely to have this condition than women. Smoking and a family history of AAA also are significant risk factors.

Aortic Aneurysms should be monitored by a vascular specialist, such as an Interventional Radiologist, who will periodically evaluate with ultrasound exams to determine if the aneurysm is growing. Aneurysms that remain small pose no significant risk. However, if an aneurysm reaches a certain size, treatment is necessary to prevent a rupture.

The technique used by FRC's interventional radiologist to treat this condition is:

Endovascular Repair of AAA - it is a minimally invasive technique where a catheter, is inserted into the blood vessels through a small incision in the groin. Under image guidance, a vascular graft is delivered through the catheter and placed inside the aneurysm. This averts blood flow and pressure on the weakened vessel.

Learn more about our interventional radiologists

Other Vascular Services / Conditions

For more information on these as well as other interventional radiology procedures, please visit www.sirweb.org/patients/

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