An aneurysm is a bulging (dilatation) of an artery by more than 50% of its normal diameter.
Aortic aneurysms are a type of aortic disease, of which there are two main types:
Abdominal aortic aneurysms, which occur in the abdominal portion of the aorta, usually near the kidneys. Small abdominal aortic aneurysms rarely rupture and can grow very large without causing symptoms.
Thoracic aortic aneurysms, which occur in the chest portion of the aorta — above the diaphragm. Even large thoracic aortic aneurysms do not always cause symptoms.
Abdominal aortic aneurysms are the more common the two.
Our Approach to Treating Aortic Aneurysms
Houston Methodist’s world-class specialists have expertise in the latest techniques and use the most advanced technology to diagnose and treat abdominal aortic aneurysms and thoracic aortic aneurysms.
The team continues to build upon the impressive legacy left by the late Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, for whom Houston Methodist’s DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center is named, who discovered and pioneered the use of grafts to repair aortic aneurysms.
Left untreated, aortic aneurysms can lead to aortic dissection, a tear in the lining of the aorta, as well as rupture of the aneurysm or loss of blood flow to vital organs, both of which can be fatal.
About Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
An abdominal aortic aneurysm can grow quite large before causing symptoms. In fact, it’s possible for an individual to have an abdominal aneurysm for years without noticing symptoms. If symptoms do appear, the most common are:
Pain in the abdomen, back or on your side
An unusual pulsing sensation that occurs near the bellybutton
Abdominal aortic aneurysms tend to be more common in men 65 years of age or older who have smoked or who have a family history of the condition.
Since they can grow quite large without causing symptoms, abdominal aortic aneurysms are usually found during a CT scan for another condition. However, if your doctor suspects you may have an abdominal aortic aneurysm, he or she can use cardiac CT scan or MRI, as well as an abdominal ultrasound, to confirm the diagnosis.
After diagnosis, your doctor may recommend steps to reduce the risk of an aneurysm rupture, including:
Stopping smoking
Taking medications to lower your cholesterol, reduce plaque buildup and manage your blood pressure
Frequent checkups
For large, fast-growing or leaky aneurysms, your specialized care team will likely recommend either endovascular stent grafting or open surgery grafting to repair your aorta.
Endovascular stent grafting is a minimally invasive cardiac procedure as safe and effective as open surgery, but with reduced recovery time. Our specialists use this less-invasive technique to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms whenever possible. During the procedure, your doctor will make small incisions in the groin and use a thin tube, or catheter, to deliver a stent graft to the weakened section of aorta. Then he or she will insert the graft into the aneurysm to reinforce the aorta and prevent rupture.
In some cases, open surgery may be required to repair your aorta. During surgery, your doctor will replace the weakened part of your aorta with synthetic tubing.
About Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms
In most cases, the signs of a thoracic aortic aneurysm aren’t noticed until a tear occurs, with symptoms including:
Pain in the upper back
Difficulty breathing
Pain in the neck, arms or jaw
Since thoracic aortic aneurysms can grow quite large without causing symptoms, they are often found during a chest X-ray or CT scan for another condition. However, if your doctor suspects you may have a thoracic aortic aneurysm, he or she can use an echocardiogram or a cardiac CT scan or MRI to confirm the diagnosis.
In some cases, thoracic aortic aneurysms run in families — caused by a genetic condition called Marfan syndrome. If you have a family history of this syndrome or thoracic aortic aneurysms, your doctor may recommend screening for this condition.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend watchful waiting of a thoracic aortic aneurysm. In the meantime, he or she may recommend steps to reduce the risk of rupture, including:
Stopping smoking
Taking medications to lower your cholesterol, reduce plaque buildup and manage your blood pressure
Frequent checkups
For large, fast-growing or leaky aneurysms, or if you have Marfan syndrome (which increases your risk of aortic dissection), your doctor may recommend surgery to repair the aneurysm.
During surgery, your doctor will replace the weakened part of your aorta with synthetic tubing. If you also have Marfan syndrome, your doctor may also perform other procedures, such as an aortic root and/or valve repair, to correct other issues.
Some individuals with this type of aneurysm are candidates for endovascular repair. During this minimally invasive procedure, your doctor will make small incisions in the groin and use a thin tube, or catheter, to deliver a stent graft to the weakened section of aorta. Then he or she will insert a graft into the aneurysm to reinforce the aorta and prevent rupture.
Your specialized care team will help you understand whether endovascular stent grafting is an option for you.
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