• Definition

An abdominal bulge in the walls of the artery is known as an aneurysm. The thick muscular walls of the artery can withstand lots of pressure. Aneurysms mostly occur in the aorta. And it is also the largest artery in the body. It carries blood through blood vessels from the heart to the rest of the body parts. The aorta distributes oxygenated blood.

TYPES

Aortic aneurysms mainly occur in two main places.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: It occurs mainly in the position of the aorta that passes from the middle of the abdomen. It is more common than its thoracic counterpart. 

Causes

• Tobacco smoking.
• Hypertension and alcohol.
• Genetic influence.
• Atherosclerosis: AAA was considered to be the main cause of atherosclerosis.
• Other causes of AAA include infection, arteritis, and trauma.

Symptoms

• Sensation in the abdomen
• Pain in the chest, lower back, legs, or scrotum.

Diagnosis

• Abdominal CT Scan: To create a cross-sectional image of the structures inside the belly area.
• Abdominal MRI: It uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create detailed images.
• Abdominal Ultrasound: The most common test to diagnose abdominal aortic aneurysm.
• THORACIC AORTIC ANEURISM: It occurs mainly in the aorta portion, which passes through the chest cavity. It is less common than the abdominal aortic aneurysm. This type of condition is commonly treated with a specialized multidisciplinary approach with both cardiac and vascular surgeons.

Causes

• Ascending the aorta due to the weakness of the aortic wall
• Hypertension and smoking.
• Genetic factor.

Symptoms

• Pain in the jaw, neck, chest, and upper back.
• Pain while swallowing.
• Hoarseness (affects the voice box).

Diagnosis

• Computerized tomography: It shows the shape and size of an aneurysm.
• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging: Uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the aorta and heart.
• Echocardiogram: The test uses sound waves to show how blood moves through the blood vessels and heart. Including the aorta.

Hospital stay

3–4 days of hospital stay after the surgery. Depending on the type of procedure adopted.

SUCCESS RATE

In India, the success rate of this process is 98–99%.