Up to 13% of men and 6% of women over 65 develop abdominal aortic aneurysms. If you have a large abdominal aortic aneurysm, prompt treatment is the best way to reduce your risk of rupture and serious health consequences. At South Florida Vascular Associates in Coconut Creek, Boynton Beach, and Plantation, Florida, offices, the team of vascular care experts offers minimally invasive on-site aneurysm repair at their state-of-the-art endovascular suite. Book your appointment online or call the office to schedule a consultation now.
An abdominal aortic aneurysm happens when the abdominal aorta — the blood vessel that delivers blood to your abdomen, pelvic region and legs — grows too large or balloons abnormally.
The abdominal aorta is usually 2.5 centimeters wide. With an aneurysm, the aorta can double in size or grow even larger than that. Larger aneurysms have a high risk of breaking open (rupture). A rupture can lead to severe internal bleeding and possibly even death.
Fortunately, early diagnosis allows for safe and effective treatments.
Abdominal aortic aneurysms develop when the artery walls age and wear down. They’re most common in people over the age of 50 with risk factors, such as smoking, being male, high blood pressure, and a family history of aneurysms.
An abdominal aortic aneurysm often causes no symptoms at all. Many people learn that they have an abdominal aortic aneurysm only through imaging tests to diagnose another issue.
But, some people experience a pulsing sensation around the navel area, sudden severe abdominal or lower back pain, sudden extreme weakness, dizziness, or loss of consciousness.
Sudden onset symptoms can indicate a rupture, which requires immediate medical treatment.
Diagnosis typically involves either an abdominal ultrasound or a computerized tomography (CT) scan. These imaging tests can also help the South Florida Vascular Associates team plan for your minimally invasive procedure.
South Florida Vascular Associates may initially recommend a watchful waiting approach if your aneurysm is small and unlikely to rupture. But, if the aneurysm starts to grow or causes symptoms, you’ll likely need endovascular aneurysm repair to prevent rupture.
Endovascular aneurysm repair is a minimally invasive method of placing a stent graft inside your weakened aorta. This procedure strengthens your artery and creates a path for the blood to flow through without adding pressure to the vulnerable artery. The approach is far less invasive than traditional (open) aneurysm repair, and it keeps you out of the hospital.
The team performs endovascular aneurysm repair on-site in the state-of-the-art endovascular suite at South Florida Vascular Associates.
The South Florida Vascular Associates team is here to help with aneurysm diagnosis, education, and treatment. Call the office or use the provided link to arrange your appointment today.
