How is an aortic aneurysm fixed?

Dr. Mark J. Russo, MD

Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Treatment options for an aortic aneurysm may include one or more of the following:

Controlling or modifying risk factors: steps such as quitting smoking, controlling blood sugar if diabetic, losing weight if overweight or obese and controlling dietary fat intake may help to slow the progression of the aneurysm
Medication: to control factors such as hyperlipidemia (elevated levels of fats in the blood) and/or high blood pressure
Surgery: the diseased area of the aorta if replaced with a fabric graft
Stent graft or endograft: used to treat aneurysms of the descending and abdominal aneurysm; it is comprised of a layer of impermeable reinforcement material enclosed by a self-expanding metal support mesh and is placed across the aneurysm site

Specific treatment will be determined by your physician based on: age, overall health and medical history; size, location and extent of the disease; signs and symptoms; tolerance of specific medications, procedures or therapies; expectations for the course of the disease; and preference.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Aneurysms

Aneurysms form balloons in weakened arteries of our bodies, potentially causing life-threatening problems such as a stroke. Although aneurysms can form in any weakened artery, they commonly occur in the arteries of the brain and in the aorta, the central artery that extends from your heart through the center of your abdomen and chest. Certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, can weaken the arteries, which deliver oxygenated blood from our heart to the rest of our bodies. The pressure of blood traveling through the arteries can lead to this balloon-like bulge. You can have an aneurysm for years without symptoms or problems. Others can have an aneurysm that pops, which can lead to a stroke if bleeding occurs in the brain. Ruptured aneurysms must be treated quickly, usually within minutes, or it can become deadly: about 50% of all ruptured aneurysms are fatal.

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