Abdominal aortic aneurysm is the localized ballooning or abnormal bulging in the artery walls, as defined by Medline Plus, a website supported by the National Institutes of Health. The major blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body is called the aorta. Abdominal aortic aneurysm happens at the part of the aorta that runs through the abdomen. Aneurysms may rupture, and it can lead to severe complications like massive internal bleeding and death. There are several treatments indicated for abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Endovascular Stent Graft
According to the Society for Vascular Surgery, a website supported by the National Institutes of Health, an endovascular stent graft, which is an artificial tube-like device made up of fabric material supported by metal mesh, is indicated for conditions in the blood vessels, including abdominal aortic aneurysm. The stent graft is placed on the aneurysm site, which tightly seals and secures the weakened blood vessel. The endovascular stent graft prevents an enlarged aneurysm from rupturing; this stent graft is inserted inside the affected blood vessel through a small incision using long thin tubes called catheters which carry the device to the weakened area. It is then positioned to support and reinforce the blood vessel. Candidates who are eligible for an endovascular stent graft surgery are patients whose abdominal aortic aneurysm is not larger than 5 centimeters and has not ruptured yet. People with arteries that are in good working condition and long enough for the stent graft are also good candidates.
Surgical Aneurysm Repair
As mentioned by the Society of Vascular Surgery, surgical aneurysm repair that repairs or removes the aneurysm through a surgical incision on the skin is one of the medical management and an indication for abdominal aortic aneurysm. Surgical aneurysm repair or open aneurysm repair is performed by surgically opening the skin and muscles of the affected area to expose the aneurysm. Once exposed, the surgeon clamps the artery above the aneurysm and then reinforces the weakened portion using a graft similar to the size and consistency of a normal artery. After surgery, the length of healing depends on the patient's overall well being and condition.
Lifestyle Modification
One of the possible causes of abdominal aortic aneurysm, according to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, is atherosclerosis or the thickening of the blood vessel wall due to smoking and other risk factors. It is indicated for patients after recovering from abdominal aortic aneurysm to do lifestyle modification and stop smoking.
