Treating Aortic Aneurysms
Without Major Incisions
Advances in minimally invasive techniques and tools are changing the way doctors at GW Hospital treat patients with abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms.
What Are Aortic Aneurysms?
Abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms occur when weakened areas of the aorta -- the largest artery in the body -- bulge or balloon. As the aneurysms grow, they're more likely to burst or tear, causing massive internal bleeding. Sometimes they go undetected, but some people may notice a pulsating feeling near the navel, tenderness or pain in the chest or abdomen or back pain.According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the following may increase your risk for an aortic aneurysm:
- Gender: Men are more likely than women to have abdominal aortic aneurysms.
- Age: Abdominal aortic aneurysms are more likely to occur in people who are 65 or older.
- Smoking: It can damage and weaken the walls of the aorta.
- Family history: People who have family histories of aortic aneurysm are at higher risk of having one, and they may have aneurysms before age 65.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
New Minimally Invasive Options
Previously, treatment for these aneurysms meant open surgery using large incisions, with longer hospital stays and recoveries. Now many patients are candidates for minimally invasive endovascular repair procedures. Using special catheters, surgeons deliver and deploy small synthetic grafts inside the aneurysms to divert blood away from weakened areas. Patients typically stay in the hospital overnight and have a faster recovery than with open surgery."The devices and tools we use have evolved significantly," says Rodeen Rahbar, MD, vascular surgeon. "GW Hospital offers minimally invasive procedures to more patients, including those who traditionally had vessels that were too small, whose aneurysms are located closer to the renal arteries or who are too sick for open surgery."
Drs. Rahbar and Shawn Sarin, interventional radiologist, use a variety of advanced delivery systems and grafts.
"The multidisciplinary team of cardiothoracic surgeons, vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists offers a level of care not available at most facilities," Dr. Sarin says. "GW Hospital offers comprehensive treatment for even the most complex aortic aneurysms, dissections [tears] and ruptures."
