The aorta is the largest artery in the body. It extends from the heart through the chest and abdomen (belly). An abdominal aneurysm, or AAA, is a weakened area in the wall of the aorta that forms a balloon-like bulge.
If an aneurysm grows too large or too quickly, the wall of the artery can become thin and fragile. A blood clot can form inside the bulge. An abdominal aortic aneurysm that bursts or tears (ruptures) can cause rapid, life-threatening blood loss.
AAA is a serious condition requiring prompt, skilled diagnosis and treatment. You can have confidence in the expert vascular surgeons at BayCare. Our surgeons have years of experience detecting and treating abdominal aortic aneurysms. Treatment options may include routine monitoring (watchful waiting), open surgery and minimally invasive invasive endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).
An abdominal aortic aneurysm may not cause any symptoms at all, especially if it's small. Larger or growing AAAs may cause:
A ruptured AAA is a medical emergency. If you or a loved one has any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately:
AAA can affect anyone, but it's most common among white males between the ages of 60 and 80. One risk factor aortic aneurysm is family history. People with a first degree relative (parent or sibling) with AAA are up to 12 times more likely to develop the condition.
Other risk factors include:
Doctors may discover an abdominal aortic aneurysm incidentally. This means they notice the aneurysm when they test you for something else. For instance, an AAA can be seen on imaging tests such as a CT scan or ultrasound. If you have one of these tests in the belly area and you have an aneurysm, your doctor will see it.
Because aneurysms may not have symptoms until they're large, you may opt to get a screening test if you're at risk. A doctor can make a referral for men over 65 who have a history of smoking and others who have risk factors.
A ruptured AAA causes severe symptoms that require emergency care. If the emergency room team suspects an abdominal aortic aneurysm, you may undergo tests such as:
At BayCare, you're in good hands. Our surgeons use an individualized approach for each patient to provide the most appropriate treatment for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. We're with you every step of the way, from initial assessment and imaging to treatment and beyond.
Small abdominal aortic aneurysms may not require any treatment other than careful observation. Your doctor will schedule regular imaging tests to see if the aneurysm grows.
If an abdominal aneurysm is large or growing quickly, your doctor may recommend surgery. Our vascular surgeons have deep experience in both open and minimally invasive procedures. They'll explain your options and ensure you get the most appropriate treatment for you situation.
Your doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into a leg artery and guides it to the aorta. They place a metal mesh tube called a stent graft inside the aneurysm. The stent expands to reinforce the weakened area and create a passage for blood flow.
EVAR is a minimally invasive approach that may be appropriate for older patients and those who have medical conditions that would make open surgery too risky.
When you have a serious condition such as abdominal aneurysm, help is close by. BayCare has several locations to help you get care for abdominal aortic aneurysm or other vascular concerns.
Your vascular surgeon makes a large surgical opening in the belly to reach the abdominal aorta. They repair the aneurysm by replacing it with a synthetic graft, which they stitch into place. Younger patients who are otherwise healthy may be candidates for open AAA surgery.
BayCare has several locations to help you get care for abdominal aortic aneurysm.
If you're diagnosed with an AAA, controlling your blood pressure is important. Your doctor may advise you to:
When you're cared for by the vascular surgeons at BayCare, you have a committed team that can answer all your questions at every stage, based on trustworthy, current data. Your doctor will keep a careful watch on your condition and be ready to respond quickly if treatment is needed.
You can live with an AAA that's caught before it ruptures. Your doctor will monitor and treat it appropriately. A ruptured AAA is a medical emergency. If you feel a sudden, severe pain in your belly or lower back, call 911 immediately.
If you're diagnosed with an AAA, you should schedule an appointment with a vascular surgeon. They can let you know if it needs to be treated right away and explain your treatment options.
Talk to your doctor. Men over age 65 and others who have risk factors for abdominal aortic aneurysm may be able to get a referral for AAA screening.
If you need an specialist, call us at (855) 233-0888, or fill out the form below to request a physician referral. We’ll help you find a provider who meets your needs.
