The aorta is the largest artery. It originates in the heart’s left ventricle and delivers oxygenated blood to all parts of the body, including the vital organs, legs and feet. As the artery crosses the diaphragm, it is more specifically called the abdominal aorta.

Aortic Aneurysms are caused by progressive weakening of the aortic wall, which causes the vessel to expand or balloon out in a localized area. Aneurysms occur most often in the aorta, the main artery of the chest and abdome, and they can expand quietly, without any symptoms.

Aortic Aneurysms are typically classified according to their anatomical location. Abdominal aortic aneurysms are by far the most common affecting up to 5% of men over 60 years of age. Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) are located in the portion of the aorta that is in the chest. There are various scans that can detect the exact position of a Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA) such as computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Treatment options for Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms include observation and risk management, open surgical repair, and endovascular repair.

Vascular grafts are used for surgical repair of the aorta affected by aneurysm. This type of procedure is the current "Gold Standard" for aortic repair.

Abdominal aneurysm occurs when a weak area of the abdominal aorta starts to expand like a balloon.  This bulge can continue to expand. If untreated, the aorta may rupture, causing internal bleeding and a very high risk of death. The larger the aneurysm, the greater the risk it may rupture. There are two primary treatment options with the same goal - to stabilize the aneurysm and prevent the aorta from rupturing.

AAA can be safely treated with early diagnosis. Surgical repair is a long-standing, successful and durable procedure. The diseased part of the aorta is replaced with a graft that is carefully matched and sewn to the aorta, requiring an abdominal incision. This will result in an average 5-10 day hospital stay. While a majority of patients make a full recovery from this procedure, this surgery can require alterations in lifestyle.

A small aneurysm can develop slowly over many years and have no symptoms and no pain. Often it is discovered during a routine physical examination.

Symptoms, or warning signs, include the onset or existence of the following:

• Severe abdominal, back, chest or groin pain
• Weakness in the legs
• Numbness in the buttocks
• Fainting or dizziness, rapid heartbeat
• Sudden weakness
• Dry skin or mouth
• Excessive thirst
• Nausea and vomiting
• Light-headedness
• Excessive sweating
• Clammy skin
• Fatigue
   

The normal diameter of the aorta is about 2cm. A small aneurysm is about 3cm. Beyond that size, the risk of rupture increases. The larger an aneurysm becomes, the more easily it grows and therefore the more likely it is to rupture.

 

Physicians typically decide whether or not to operate by looking at two primary and distinctive risks:

• Age
• Vigor
• Extent of Operation
• Heart, Lung, Kidney Function

Size of Aneurysm (Aneurysms larger than 5.5cm are generally recommended for repair unless the patient presents an operative risk that is greater than the risk of rupture

 

Normal Thoracic Aorta Size:

• Ascending Aorta = 4.0cm
• Descending Aorta = 3.0cm

• Observation and Risk Management
• Open Surgical Repair
• Endovascular Repair
   

AAA can be safely treated with early diagnosis. Surgical repair is a long-standing, successful and durable procedure. The diseased part of the aorta is replaced with a graft that is carefully matched and sewn to the aorta, requiring an abdominal incision. This will result in an average 5-10 day hospital stay. While a majority of patients make a full recovery from this procedure, this surgery can require alterations in lifestyle.

 

If you are diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm, it is important to discuss treatment options very carefully with your doctor and to follow the doctor's orders to ensure an optimal treatment result.