An aortic aneurysm, the most common type of aneurysm, occurs when a section of the aorta wall is weakened and begins to widen or balloon. Because the aorta is the largest artery in the body, extending from above the heart down to the pelvis, aortic aneurysms occur in a variety of places, such as the chest (thoracic aortic aneurysm, TAA) or the abdomen (abdominal aortic aneurysm, AAA).
Left untreated, aortic aneurysms can be dangerous and can cause life-threatening complications.
What are the symptoms of an aortic aneurysm?
Unfortunately, there are no obvious signs an individual has an aneurysm as it begins to grow. Aortic aneurysms are usually discovered by accident, through imaging tests performed for an unrelated issue like kidney stones.
Although most aortic aneurysms are silent, symptoms of a ruptured or dissected aortic aneurysm include:
- Intense back pain
- Severe pain in the chest or abdominal area
- Dizziness or fainting (due to the sudden drop in blood pressure)
It’s important to seek help immediately if you have or develop these symptoms, as an aneurysm is considered a medical emergency.
What causes an aortic aneurysm?
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of aneurysmal disease. These include:
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Age
- Family history
- Gender (men are more likely to develop an aortic aneurysm.)
Aortic Aneurysm Treatment
The Vascular Center of Northeast Georgia Physicians Group, in partnership with Georgia Heart Institute, is experienced in diagnosing and treating a variety of vascular disease conditions, including aortic aneurysms. After reviewing the results of an ultrasound or CT scan, our vascular surgeons will discuss the best treatment for your condition. Depending on the size and location, your surgeon may recommend carefully monitoring the aneurysm, or he or she may recommend surgery.
Minimally Invasive Aortic Aneurysm Surgery
Aortic aneurysms can often be treated with minimally invasive techniques to give patients a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, and fewer complications along the way. Ask your provider during your consultation if you are a candidate for minimally invasive surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm.
Open Aortic Aneurysm Surgery
For those who are not candidates for minimally invasive surgery, an open surgery may be required. In this traditional type of repair, incisions are made close to the area of concern (in the chest or abdomen) to directly expose the diseased aorta. Once inside, the surgeon will replace the abnormal segment with a prosthetic graft to strengthen the artery wall and repair the aneurysm.
Choose Georgia Heart Institute for Vascular Care
When you choose our Vascular Center for your care, you receive access to a team of skilled vascular-endovascular surgeons who specialize in using the latest technology for treating vascular disease. Every patient works directly with a seasoned and fellowship-trained specialist dedicated to their vascular health. Our vascular surgeons provide exceptional care for those with vascular disorders by utilizing innovative techniques that offer the highest level of care possible.
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