What is an aortic aneurysm?
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.
What are the symptoms of an aortic aneurysm?
Often, you won’t experience any symptoms associated with an aortic aneurysm. If you do, you may notice:
Abdominal aortic aneurysm symptoms
- Throbbing abdominal pain
- Deep pain in your back
- Pain in the side of your abdomen
- Steady, gnawing abdominal pain
Thoracic aortic aneurysm symptoms
- Chest tenderness
- Hoarseness
- A cough
- Shortness of breath
- Breathing or swallowing problems
- Pain in your back, neck, chest, or jaw
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:
- Difficulty breathing
- Sharp, sudden discomfort
- Severe chest, abdomen, neck, or jaw pain
- Shock
- Loss of consciousness
These symptoms indicate a life-threatening emergency. Seek medical treatment right away by calling 911.
Is aortic aneurysm repair right for me?
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.
How should I prepare for aortic aneurysm repair?
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.
What happens during and after the procedure?
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:
Open surgery
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.
Endovascular surgery
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.
