Most of the veins, blood vessels and arteries that run through our bodies are thin. But one—the aorta, which extends from the heart all the way past the abdomen where it splits to supply blood to each leg—is about the diameter of a garden hose. So, what happens if it becomes weak or injured?
Aneurysms: Causes and Symptoms
An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the aorta much like the bulge on an over-inflated inner tube. Most commonly, they’re caused by high cholesterol and elevated blood pressure, but they
also can be caused by certain genetic conditions, smoking and trauma, such as a car crash.
Most common in men ages 40 to 70, aneurysms don’t usually cause noticeable symptoms, according to the Society for Vascular Surgery. “They are most often discovered during diagnostic tests for some other condition,” says UAB endovascular surgeon William Jordan, M.D. When symptoms are present, they include severe pain in the chest or back, abdominal pain, or cold and numb extremities.
To Treat or Not to Treat
Aneurysms are serious conditions that, if they rupture, could cause life-threatening internal bleeding. But only aneurysms that are large or growing are treated surgically.
There are two types of surgery available—open and endovascular—both of which are performed at UAB. In open surgery, the chest or abdomen is opened and the damaged portion of the aorta is replaced with an artificial graft that is sewn into place. Open surgery patients typically stay in the hospital for a week and recover in four to six weeks.
Endovascular surgery is minimally invasive. The graft is inserted into the body through an artery in the leg and is then threaded through the bloodstream to the aneurysm site. Once in place, it is expanded to support the weakened section of the aorta. The aneurysm eventually shrinks around the graft. Endovascular surgery patients often recover within a few days of the procedure.
While endovascular surgery offers the benefits of less blood loss, a shorter hospital stay and a quicker recovery, it is not suited for every patient. “It’s best to pursue a physician who is
trained and skilled in both treatment options,” Dr. Jordan says. “He or she will give the most balanced approach.”