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AAA treatment
Doctors will often monitor aneurysms under 5.5 centimeters for changes in size and status. Patients may have regular ultrasounds or CT scans.
For AAAs 5.5 centimeters or larger, or for certain types of patients, doctors may recommend surgery. There are currently no non-surgical treatments for AAAs, but surgical options include less-invasive endovascular (performed within the blood vessel) procedures, in addition to the traditional bypass. Which is best depends on a variety of factors, including severity of the aneurysm and the patient's anatomy.
Endovascular stent grafting - Doctors insert a mesh tube with a fabric covering (stent graft) to reinforce artery walls so blood can pass safely through.
The procedure: You will be given general anesthesia. The doctor will insert a catheter into your groin and guide it to the aneurysm using fluoroscopy (a moving X-ray image projected onto a monitor). The doctor will then insert a compressed version of the stent graft through the catheter. Once in place, the stent graft expands to fit snugly against the artery wall. Blood flows through the stent instead of the bulging portion of the artery.
Open surgical aneurysm repair - Surgeons replace the weakened part of the aorta wall with a manmade tube called an aortic graft.
The procedure: You will be given general anesthesia. Your surgeon will make an incision in your abdomen and remove the bulging, weakened part of your aorta. The surgeon will then stitch the aortic graft into place.
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