Less Invasive Surgery Repairs Aortic Aneurysm
Less Invasive Surgery Repairs Aortic Aneurysm
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
What is the aorta?
The aorta carries all the blood that is pumped out of your heart and distributes it, via its many branches, to all the organs of your body. The aorta projects upwards from your heart and then turns downwards, travelling through your chest (the thoracic aorta) and into your abdomen (the abdominal aorta).
The normal diameter of the abdominal aorta is around 2 to 3cm (about one inch).
What is an aortic aneurysm?
An aortic aneurysm is a thin, weakened section of the wall of your aorta that bulges outward. Most aneurysms occur in the section of the aorta that passes through your abdomen and are called abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Aneurysms can also occur in the part of your aorta that is near your heart; these are called thoracic aortic aneurysms. This factsheet will only discuss AAAs.
The artery wall of an aneurysm is weaker than normal artery wall so it may not withstand the pressure of blood inside. This may cause it to rupture.
The chance of an AAA rupturing depends on its size. If your aneurysm is greater than 5.5cm wide the chances of rupture are higher - and the risk increases with increasing size.
Symptoms of abdominal aortic aneurysm
You could have an AAA for years before you develop any symptoms and you may not get any at all. If you have an AAA you may have : -
* Abdominal pain
* Back pain
Complications of abdominal aortic aneurysm
If your AAA becomes very large and ruptures it can cause excruciating pain. You may also have a lump in your abdomen that expands and contracts. A ruptured AAA causes severe internal bleeding which is often fatal unless emergency surgery to repair the rupture is carried out.
Causes of abdominal aortic aneurysm
The main cause of AAAs is atherosclerosis. This is a condition in which fatty deposits are laid down in the walls of your arteries. The deposit is called an atheroma. This weakens your artery walls and makes them less elastic and weaker as a result.
You are more likely to develop atherosclerosis, and therefore an AAA, depending on : -
* your gender (men are more likely to develop an AAA than women)
* if you smoke
* your age - AAAs are more common people over 65
* your family history - if you have a first degree relative who has had an AAA you have a higher chance of having one yourself
* if you have high blood pressure
* if you do little physical activity
* if you have high cholesterol
* if you are overweight
Diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm
Abdominal AAs can be diagnosed from your symptoms when they occur but this may be too late. They are usually found when you have a routine physical examination and chest and abdominal X-rays.
When your doctor examines you, he or she may feel a pulsating mass in your abdomen which may be tender if your AAA is large. If your doctor suspects an AAA, he or she will request tests including those below.
* An ultrasound scan is the most common test to detect an aneurysm. It can also measure its size.
* Other scans may also be performed before you have surgery. For example a CT scan uses X-rays to make three-dimensional images of the body. This is very useful for determining the exact position of your AAA.
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