The aorta is the largest artery in the human body, carrying oxygen-rich blood away from the heart towards the vital organs such as the brain and kidneys, as well as the gut, and upper and lower limbs.
The aorta runs through the chest, where it is called the thoracic aorta. When it reaches the abdomen, it is called the abdominal aorta. The abdominal aorta supplies blood to the lower part of the body. In the abdomen, just below the navel, the aorta splits into two branches called the common iliac arteries, which carry blood into each leg and pelvis.
When a weak area of the aorta expands or bulges, it is called an aneurysm. This can occur in the thoracic aorta and is known as a Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA), or in the abdominal aorta, known as an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA). This process can also affect other peripheral arteries, with the Popliteal Artery (located behind the knee joint) being one of the more common sites. Aneurysms are a health risk because they can burst or rupture. A ruptured aneurysm can cause severe internal bleeding, which can lead to shock and frequently death.
Diagnostic Techniques
A number of imaging investigations are used to detect and monitor aneurysms, including ultrasound, chest X-ray, echocardiography (ECHO), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). The choice of investigation depends on the location and extent of the aneurysm.
Treatment Options
Treatment is guided by the size, location and rate of growth of the aneurysm, as well as the patient’s overall fitness for intervention.
Monitoring involves 6 to 12 monthly follow-up combined with ultrasound or CT scans to reassess aneurysm size, along with medications to reduce blood pressure where appropriate.
Open surgical repair involves an incision into the abdomen or chest to insert a fabric tube (graft) to replace the weakened section of the aorta. Complex thoracic aortic aneurysms may require heart surgery at the time of repair.
Endovascular stent-graft repair (EVAR or TEVAR) is a minimally invasive alternative in which a small incision is made in the groin or arms and a thin tube called a catheter is guided through the blood vessels to the location of the aneurysm. Under X-ray guidance, a collapsed stent-graft is positioned and deployed, redirecting blood flow away from the aneurysm and removing the risk of rupture. This approach results in a shorter recovery period and a lower rate of potential complications than open surgery. Availability depends on the location, size and anatomy of the aneurysm.
Fenestrated and branched endovascular stent-graft repair (FEVAR/BEVAR) are alternatives for patients whose abdominal aortic aneurysm is unsuitable for standard infrarenal repair due to an unfavourable neck. This more complex procedure requires a high level of clinical expertise and allows endovascular treatment of difficult aneurysms affecting segments of the aorta that involve important side branches.
Related Resources
Below are some of the Resources related to Aortic Aneurysms, Aortic Dissections & Peripheral Aneurysms.
Gore Viabahn VBX Covered Stent plays important role in addressing complex aorta-iliac occlusive.
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Treatments Available for Aortic Aneurysms, Aortic Dissections & Peripheral Aneurysms
Below are some of the treatments we have available for Aortic Aneurysms, Aortic Dissections & Peripheral Aneurysms. Click on the below to learn more or get in touch with us to request a consultation.
Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair (EVAR/FEVAR/BEVAR)
EVAR, FEVAR and BEVAR are minimally invasive techniques for repairing aortic aneurysms using a stent-graft delivered through small incisions in the groin. They offer shorter hospital stays and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal widening or bulging of the aorta, the large artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Aneurysms can occur in the abdomen, chest, or other segments. If left untreated, a large aneurysm can rupture, which is life-threatening.