Aortic Aneurism

Aortic Aneurism

An aortic aneurism, or aneurysm, is a weak area of the aorta. The aorta is the body’s largest artery. Aneurisms can occur in any blood vessel in your body, but they happen most often to the aorta. The area of the aorta that runs through the abdomen is prone to developing an aorta aneurism.

An aortic aneurism gradually enlarges. It rarely has any symptoms. It may cause a pulsating sensation near the naval, abdominal pain or tenderness, or back pain. If an aorta aneurism ruptures, it may cause life-threatening internal bleeding.

The build up of fatty deposits in the arteries may cause an aneurism. This build up weakens the wall of the aorta. High blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and smoking are contributing factors.

Some aneurisms will not need treatment and will be monitored by your doctor using regular ultrasounds. There are two surgeries used to treat an aortic aneurism. With open abdominal surgery, the section of the aorta that has an aneurism is replaced with a synthetic tube. Endovascular surgery involves using a catheter to position a woven tube covered in wire mesh at the aneurism. Once in place, the tube is inflated and secured to the aorta.