An untreated aneurysm can put you at risk of life-threatening bleeding, but treatment is within reach at Vascular Surgery Specialists in Phoenix, Arizona. Board-certified vascular and endovascular surgeons offer aortic aneurysm repair to restore weakened blood vessels and protect you from serious medical problems. Schedule an appointment with Vascular Surgery Specialists by phone or book online for an evaluation today.
An aortic aneurysm is a weak area in a major blood vessel. Because of this weak spot, blood pushing against vessel walls can make a blood vessel balloon. The result can cause a tear, which is a life-threatening emergency.
Aortic aneurysms can occur in your abdomen (abdominal aortic aneurysm) or the chest portion of your aorta (thoracic aortic aneurysm).
Treatment from Vascular Surgery Specialists can repair your aneurysm to prevent serious medical problems.
Often, you won’t experience any symptoms associated with an aortic aneurysm. If you do, you may notice:
Aortic aneurysms usually develop slowly. They may remain small and never rupture, or grow and rupture over time. In the case of an aortic rupture, you might experience:
These symptoms indicate a life-threatening emergency. Seek medical treatment right away by calling 911.
To find out if you’re a good candidate for aortic aneurysm repair, your vascular surgeon reviews your symptoms and medical history. They listen to your heart and might recommend you undergo an echocardiogram, chest X-ray, CT scan, angiogram, ultrasound, or MRI.
Follow all pre-surgery instructions prior to undergoing aortic aneurysm repair. Stop taking medications if your provider recommends it and arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure. Avoid eating or drinking anything the morning of your surgery.
The experts at Vascular Surgery Specialists specialize in open and endovascular repair. After receiving anesthesia to make you fall asleep, you may undergo one of the following:
During open surgery, your vascular surgeon makes a tiny incision. They remove a damaged section of your aorta, replace it with a graft, and stitch the new graft in place. Total recovery time is usually about one month or longer in some cases.
If you undergo endovascular surgery, your surgeon attaches a graft to the end of a thin tube. They insert the tube through an artery in your leg and thread it into your aorta to place the graft at the site of your aneurysm. Recovery time is usually faster than with open surgery.
Follow all post-surgery instructions after aortic aneurysm repair. Take medications as directed by your doctor, get plenty of rest, and attend follow-up appointments.
If you require aortic aneurysm repair, you can trust the experts at Vascular Surgery Specialists with your care. Book an appointment by phone or schedule online today.