Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

An aneurysm is an enlargement, usually localized, of an artery to more than twice its normal diameter. Depending upon the artery involved, an aneurysm can commonly cause symptoms by rupture, leading to catastrophic hemorrhage. Alternatively, occlusion of the aneurysm or embolization (dislodgement) of particulate material from within it may occur, and either outcome can lead to impairment in blood flow to the organ supplied by the involved artery.

Aneurysms may be caused by infection or trauma but most commonly are due to idiopathic (unexplained) degeneration of the arterial wall sometimes associated with atherosclerosis. Aneurysms may involve any artery but the abdominal aorta is most commonly involved. The major risk for untreated aneurysms in this location is rupture, and this threat increases with aneurysm diameter. For this reason, repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms is indicated for large or enlarging aneurysms or for those that are causing symptoms.

Mortality and complication rates for patients undergoing repair of aortic aneurysms are dramatically less for elective operations performed before the aneurysm ruptures than for those procedures performed emergently because of impending or frank rupture with hemorrhage. The complication rates also may be different from one hospital or one surgeon to the next depending upon the experience and background of the surgical team, and patients under consideration for aneurysm repair should request information regarding their chance for complications in the particular setting in which their aneurysm is to be treated.

Dr. Kirksey not only has extensive experience with standard surgical approaches but is also actively investigating the llatest, catheter-based, minimally invasive techniques (stent grafts) available.

The following are contributing factors that often lead to an abdominal aortic aneurysm:

Controllable Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Risk Factors:

• Hypertension
• Smoking
• Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)

• Age
• Gender - men are more prone to this disease
• Family history

The Kirksey Screening ultrasound test views your aorta for any signs of "ballooning" or widening of the vessel.