What is an Aortic Abdominal Aneurysm?
An aortic abdominal aneurysm, commonly referred to as an AAA, is an enlarged or bulging area of the abdominal aorta. This bulging occurs as a result of damaged or weakened aortic walls that no longer support the pressure of blood flow. The aorta leaves the left ventricle of the heart and travels down into the abdomen where it is referred to as the abdominal aorta. Shortly after passing by the kidneys, the abdominal aorta divides into two arteries called the iliac arteries that travel down each leg. This division is called a bifurcation. The abdominal aorta’s birfucation site is a common place to find an aneurysm. The abdominal aorta usually measures between ¾ of an inch and 1 inch in diameter. An aneurysm can cause the abdominal aorta to stretch and bulge to several times the normal size. If the bulging aneurysm were to rupture, the blood loss would be so great that it could be fatal. Usually the repair of an AAA is not necessary until the aneurysm measures greater than 4 centimeters.
Diagnosis of Aortic Abdominal Aneurysm
Discovering an AAA can be difficult because frequently patients do not have symptoms. In some cases patients may feel pain at the aneurysm site or they may feel a pulsing sensation. Often an AAA is noticed as a result of a chest x-ray taken for another reason. When an AAA is suspected, an abdominal ultrasound or a CT angiography can be used to confirm suspicion of AAA and further define its size.
Aortic Abdominal Aneurysm Stent Graft Treatment
Inserting a graft material inside the bulging section of the abdominal aorta is one of the treatment options available to IHI patients. Dr. Mark Sanz can insert a device called an endovascular graft into the diseased section of the abdominal aorta. This procedure can be done in the cardiac catheterization lab. It is much less invasive than open surgical repair and is usually appropriate for patients that may not be able to tolerate a major surgical procedure. Using a guided catheter the graft can be inserted directly into the abdominal aorta and anchored with metal prongs. The graft can now stay permanently inside the aorta and act as a new reinforced arterial wall. The bulging section of the aneurysm has now been excluded from blood flow and the danger of rupture is drastically reduced.
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