Aneurysm Grafting or Surgery
An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal enlargement of the body's main artery.
This can occur in the chest area (thoracic) or belly (abdominal). Atherosclerosis, or cholesterol buildup, can lead
to narrowing of vessels, or sometimes aneurysmal changes. The aorta can become weakened from atherosclerosis or genetic
changes, such as Marfan's disease. Once the aneurysm starts, it will slowly enlarge. The larger the aneurysm becomes,
the higher the probability that it will rupture. A ruptured aneurysm may be fatal immediately, or may cause pain and
problems of low blood pressure that needs immediate medical or surgical treatment.
An aneurysm is often detected before symptoms develop. If the aneurysm is large enough,
it should be treated to prevent rupture. Treatment includes control of risk factors (blood pressure, cholesterol, and
smoking cessation), but definitive treatment is done surgically or with endovascular repair. Surgery is the standard
treatment for abdominal aneurysms. Recently, placement of a tube graft through the leg artery (endovascular repair) has
become a treatment option. This treatment avoids the risks of surgery, but requires long-term monitoring for successful
repair.
Thoracic aneurysms are usually not treated surgically, due to the high complication rates,
until symptoms develop or severe enlargement is found. Thoracic aneurysms may also be treated with endovascular
repair by experienced surgeons. This technology allows for treatment of thoracic aneurysms that previously
would not have warranted surgery.
