Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

An abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs when a section of the aorta, the major blood vessel from the heart that supplies blood to the body, has become enlarged.

This condition is a health risk, as it could lead to internal bleeding. If this condition is diagnosed, depending on the severity, we may advise monitoring the problem or scheduling surgery to correct it.

What are the symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

An abdominal aortic aneurysm may grow very slowly and may present few, if any, noticeable symptoms. In other cases, you may experience:

Ongoing, deep pain in the abdomen or side of the abdomen
Back pain
You may have a pulse at your navel

What causes an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

Aneurysms in the aorta most often develop in the abdomen. The factors that could contribute to the development of the condition include:

Arterial blockages caused by fat or other substances limiting blood flow (atherosclerosis)
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Blood vessel disease leading to inflammation
Infections
Trauma

When the walls of this large blood vessel are weak, the flow of blood can cause it to enlarge and swell into a balloon-like shape, restring the flow of blood to your abdomen. The risks associated with the condition include the artery bursting, causing internal bleeding, which can be fatal if not treated immediately. Early intervention to restore the strength of the artery wall can help keep you healthy and active for years longer.

What is the treatment for a AAA?

There are three primary techniques for treating a AAA:

If the condition is not extreme, you may be advised to leave it alone and undergo regular testing to monitor your condition.
Dr. Liyanage may perform a correction with endoscopic surgery. This procedure involves placing a synthetic graft to the end of a catheter which is inserted through the artery in your leg and advanced to the aneurysm. The graft is a woven mesh tube, which is then expanded and secured in the artery to reinforce the artery walls.
In other, less common cases, open surgery may be the best option. In such cases, your unique treatment plan will be determined by a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, along with our advanced diagnostics.

Why choose Advanced Surgical Technology in Mt. Vernon and Centralia?

Dr. Liyanage and the medical team at Advanced Surgical Technology are among the most experienced in treating aneurysms, including AAA. You can expect an unparalleled level of patient care and dedication to you and your health. When under our care, you can expect compassion, warmth, and an extraordinary level of personal care.

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