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Less Invasive Approach for Aneurysm Repair

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by: Scott Abeles, R.N., B.S.N.
pon receiving the report for a CT that was ordered by your physician for abdominal pain, it was noted by the radiologist that you have an unrelated abdominal aortic aneurysm measuring 5.5 cm. Having a significant cardiac history as well as being slightly overweight, your primary physician refers you to a vascular surgeon for further evaluation of this newly diagnosed aneurysm.
Aortic aneurysms cause approximately 15,000 deaths in America annually when they rupture. Aneurysms are an abnormal bulge in the wall of a vessel such as in the aorta or in the brain (cerebral), when they occur in the brain and rupture it’s called a stroke. The aorta is a very large vessel that runs from the heart down through the chest and abdomen, and subsequently divides to vessels that supply each leg. Aneurysms can occur in any section of the aorta, abdominal/ thoracic (chest), and can also encompass the entire length of it. Aortic aneurysms can be caused by a variety of factors including: atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure, genetics, trauma, smoking, and dissection or tearing of the artery wall.
Most aortic aneurysms are generally not associated with any symptoms, until it’s too late. Pain however, is experienced if the aneurysm is pressing upon other tissues or organs. The symptoms associated with dissection are severe back or chest pain, abdominal pain, cold or numb arms/ legs, and stroke. If these symptoms are present in a patient with a known aneurysm, this is a medical emergency and the patient must be taken to the operating room immediately.
The treatment of aneurysms varies to the type, size, and the overall health of the patient and they include, watch and wait, medical management, and surgical management. A watch and wait approach includes scheduled CT scans to evaluate the size of the aneurysm. Medical management includes blood pressure control with medications, smoking cessation and lifestyle changes. Surgical intervention is indicated for an unstable aneurysm/ pending rupture or dissection, or an aneurysm that has continued to enlarge over time greater than 1 cm per year. Surgical intervention, including the risks should be discussed with the surgeon prior. If surgical intervention is required, you may be a candidate for a less invasive repair of your abdominal aortic aneurysm. The standard surgical intervention of abdominal aortic aneurysms is an extensive, open operation. This open, conventional operation can have a prolonged recovery, and the potential for many complications exist. If you are a candidate, a less invasive method is currently available for the repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms.
The repair is performed less invasively via an endovascular (within the vessel), approach with the deployment of a stent graft. This less invasive method is a good alternative for patients who are too ill to undergo an extensive, open procedure. Endovascular stent graft repair should only be done by a vascular surgeon/ interventional radiologist who has specialized training to perform this procedure. If you are an appropriate candidate, an endovascular approach can offer the patient numerous potential benefits such as: smaller, less painful scars, less anesthesia, faster recovery, less risk for infection and a shorter hospital stay. Although the endovascular approach is less invasive, it is still a surgical procedure that involves a certain level of risk.
Long-term complications are not yet known due to its relative infancy as a surgical alternative for abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Frequent CT scans are advised to check the stent graft for potential leaks.
About The Author
Scott Abeles, R. N., B.S.N. is an AnestaWeb journalist specializing in medical and health articles and topics.  To learn more about botox, visit http://www.botoxdirectory.net  . Other websites by Mr. Abeles Include:  www.bariatricsurgerydirectory.com and www.LessInvasive.com
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