What is an Aortic Aneurysm?
An aortic aneurysm is a swelling or bulge in the aorta, the main blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body.
It can occur in different sections, but an abdominal aortic aneurysm happens in the part that runs through the abdomen.
The bulge can weaken the aorta's wall, making it susceptible to tearing, which is a serious condition.
How Does the Wall of the Aorta Get Damaged?
Various factors can damage the aorta, including:
High blood pressure
Smoking
Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
Physical injury
Certain infections (e.g., untreated syphilis)
Genetic conditions (e.g., Marfan syndrome)
Aging
How is it Treated?
Abdominal aortic aneurysms are often treated with a procedure called endovascular repair, which is minimally invasive.
Procedure Steps:
An incision is made, typically in the groin.
A thin catheter is inserted through the artery to reach the aneurysm site.
A stent (a small tube) is placed to reinforce the weakened area of the aorta.
The stent helps maintain blood flow and prevents the aneurysm from tearing.
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