Performed by Our Top-Rated Board Certified Vascular Surgeons Can Save Your Life
Aortic aneurysm surgery is necessary if you have developed a thoracic or abdominal aortic aneurysm. With today’s technology and with the expertise of our Board Certified Vascular Surgeons, aneurysm surgery can be minimally invasive and can save your life.
Early detection and treatment of an aortic aneurysm is crucial because if an aneurysm is left untreated and ruptures, it can be fatal.
Annually in the U.S., approximately 11,000 people have died from Aortic Aneurysm Rupture because their aortic aneurysms were not discovered in time and because they were left untreated.
At The Vein and Vascular Institute of Riverview, our top-rated vascular surgeons have saved hundreds of lives by performing aortic aneurysm surgery because they are experts in detecting and treating thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Aortic Aneurysm Surgery Patient Testimonial
Aneurysm Repair Patient Hector Sharing His AAA Repair Story and His Gratitude To Dr. Wright
How Does An Aortic Aneurysm Form?
The aorta is the largest artery in the body and it carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The aorta is made up of the thoracic aorta (which runs through the chest) and the abdominal aorta (which runs through the abdominal area).
An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in the aorta that forms because the aortic wall has become weak and the pressure of blood flow has caused the aortic wall to expand.
If the aortic aneurysm continues to expand, it can eventually rupture, causing severe internal bleeding and possibly death.
The best way to prevent an aortic aneurysm from taking your life is to have a vascular screening to detect and then treat the aneurysm in its earliest stages of development.
Aortic Aneurysm Symptoms
Aortic aneurysms have often been nicknamed “The Silent Killer” because they usually happen without any warning signs. Unfortunately, only about half of patients with an aortic aneurysm notice any symptoms at all.
This is very scary because if the aorta ruptures it can lead to internal organ damage and sudden death.
If symptoms are present, possible Abdominal Aneurysm Symptoms include:
If symptoms are present, possible Thoracic Aneurysm Symptoms include:
If you are already experiencing any of these symptoms, do not ignore the warning signs. A vascular ultrasound is the only sure way to detect the presence of this silent killing disease before it’s too late.
Aortic Aneurysm Risk Factors
The exact causes of aortic aneurysms are not known, but having a family history of the disease as well as age are the most significant factors. If either of your parents, grandparents, aunts or uncles have suffered from an aortic aneurysm, there is a higher likelihood that you may develop one as well and that is why you should consider getting a vascular screening every year.
In addition to having a family history, smoking and high blood pressure are also risk factors because they cause degeneration of the connective tissue and muscular layer of the aorta. Aortic aneurysms that form in this way are called degenerative aneurysms and they are the most common type of aneurysm.
Diseases such as Marfan’s Syndrome (a connective tissue disorder), Syphilis, and Tuberculosis can weaken the layers of the aortic wall, and therefore can put you at a higher risk for developing aortic aneurysms.
In rare cases, trauma, such as a car accident or a fall, may cause an aortic aneurysm as well.
It is also important to note that aortic aneurysms are more common in men than they are in women.
Treatment Options for Aortic Aneurysms
After having a consultation and a vascular screening, your vascular doctor will advise you on the best treatment options and if surgery would be necessary. This advice will depend on how big the aneurysm has become as well as other contributing factors, such as your overall health condition and your age.
Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair (also referred to as AAA Endovascular Repair) involves placing a stent-graft inside the aorta where the aneurysm has developed. The stent-graft basically creates a new passageway for blood flow.
With the stent-graft in place, the weak aortic wall of the aneurysm is no longer subjected to direct pressure from the blood flow. This prevents the aneurysm from continuing to expand and possibly rupturing.
Endovascular AAA repair is a minimally invasive technique where the vascular surgeon makes a small incision in the groin area, inserts a catheter, runs it through the femoral artery and directs it to where the aneurysm has developed. The surgeon then passes the stent-graft through the catheter and positions it at the location of the aneurysm, creating new walls for the blood to flow through.
The great thing about endovascular AAA repair is that the recovery time is only 2 to 6 weeks and it is a highly successful, life-saving aortic aneurysm treatment.
Depending on your specific situation, your doctor may advise you to undergo open surgical repair, which is a more invasive aortic aneurysm surgery and will require a longer recovery time (6 weeks to 3 months).
Thoracic aortic aneurysm repair is similar to AAA repair, however, the aneurysm is closer to the heart. So depending on the exact location of the aneurysm and how big it is, your doctor will advise you on the best type of treatment.
The Board Certified Vascular Surgeons at The Vein and Vascular Institute of Riverview have saved hundreds of lives by performing aortic aneurysm repair. Our surgeons also have hospital staff privileges which means that they are able to treat you in the hospital setting if your circumstances require it.
Aortic aneurysms are often fatal, so do not delay. Give us a call today at (813) 999-3992 to schedule a consultation for aortic aneurysm surgery, because a consultation with the right vascular physicians could save your life.
