Aortic Aneurysm

Overview

Mayo Clinic physicians and surgeons are internationally recognized experts in the treatment of thoracic and abdominal aortic disease. Mayo Clinic is among the highest-volume centers treating these conditions, repairing more than 500 aortic aneurysms each year, with excellent results.

Patients are referred to Mayo Clinic from all over the world to benefit from Mayo's expertise in treating challenging aneurysms, such as those involving the aortic root (where the aorta emerges from the heart) and the aortic arch, and those involving both the chest and abdomen. Surgeons at Mayo Clinic helped develop minimally invasive endovascular surgery techniques that shorten recovery time and hospital stays for patients. These methods offer a viable option for many patients who have chronic illnesses and are at risk for surgical complications.

Mayo vascular, cardiac and thoracic surgeons work with cardiologists and other medical specialists as needed to plan care for each patient. In Mayo's efficient system, testing and treatment can usually be completed in days, not months.

Diagnosis

In some cases, an aortic aneurysm may be detected during a physical examination. Many are found incidentally during routine medical tests such as chest X-rays and ultrasounds. Mayo Clinic has the most up-to-date technology to accurately diagnose aortic aneurysms. Learn about aortic aneurysm diagnosis.

Treatment Options

If an aneurysm is small and there are no symptoms, Mayo doctors often suggest a watch-and-wait approach. If an aneurysm has reached sufficient size to warrant surgery or the aneurysm appears to be enlarging rapidly or leaking, surgery may be recommended, sooner rather than later. Learn about aortic aneurysm treatment.

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About Aortic Aneurysms

Normal Aorta

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An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in the wall of the aorta, the body's largest artery. Roughly the diameter of a garden hose, this artery extends from the heart down through the chest and abdominal region, where it divides into blood vessels that supply each leg. Smaller arteries branch off to supply blood to the vital organs. Aneurysms can develop anywhere in the aorta, but most occur in the abdominal area.

Aortic aneurysms may be caused by the wear-and-tear processes of aging, especially among people who smoke or have high blood pressure; by inherited conditions that weaken the aorta, such as Marfan syndrome or familial thoracic aortic aneurysm disease; or trauma. One type of aneurysm (aortic dissection) is caused by a splitting of the wall of the aorta.

More about the types of aortic aneurysms.

Read more at www.MayoClinic.com (A service of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)