Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

This condition affects the main blood vessel from the heart (aorta) as it passes through the abdomen. It is a ballooning out of the vessel walls and is caused by a weakness in the vessel wall, a condition that may be inherited. It is often associated with Atherosclerosis, and many patients have coexisting heart disease.

Symptoms

In many cases, AAA causes no symptoms until it leaks or ruptures. You may notice back pain or a beating swelling in the abdomen.

Complications

Life threatening rupture or leakage.

Treatment

Treatment is only required after leakage or rupture or when there is a significant risk of rupture such as large aneurysms or those that are enlarging. They are treated by surgical repair or in some cases endoscopic procedures.

Surgical Repair

This is a major operation performed under general anesthesia. It is performed through a midline incision. It involves the clamping of the aorta and the sewing in of a tube (graft) to replace the part of the vessel with the aneurysm.

Recovery

Post operatively you are treated in the Intensive Care Unit for at least one day and regular tests are carried out. Your total hospital stay can be 3-5 days. Providing there are no complications you will be allowed to go home with gradual return to normal activity over one to two months.

Endoscopic Repair

This is a relatively new procedure generally used for patients who are not candidates for surgical repair. It involves using angiography and the placement of a stent across the inside of the aneurysm.

For more information contact your healthcare provider or email cardiology@highlinemedical.org.