An aneurysm, an abnormal bulge in the wall of an artery, can lead to life-threatening complications if not detected and treated early. These weakened blood vessel walls are at risk of rupture, leading to internal bleeding or clot formation. Early detection and treatment are critical to preventing severe health consequences.
At Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center, our board-certified vascular specialists bring decades of expertise in diagnosing and treating aneurysms. Our team includes Dr. Robert M. Pollina, MD, FACS, Dr. Mauricio Szuchmacher, MD, FACS, and Dr. Volodymyr Labinskyy, MD, who offers cutting-edge vascular care focusing on minimally invasive and complex surgical treatments.Â
Causes and Risk Factors of Aneurysms
While the exact cause of aneurysm formation is not always clear, several risk factors can contribute to its development, including:
- Genetics: Some aneurysms are congenital and present from birth.
- High Blood Pressure: Increased pressure weakens arterial walls over time.
- Atherosclerosis: Plaque buildup can lead to artery damage.
- Smoking: A major contributor to vascular disease.
- Infections or Trauma: Injury or infections in the blood vessels can increase risk.
- Pregnancy: This may place additional strain on blood vessels.
Understanding these risk factors can help individuals take preventive measures to protect their vascular health.
Types of Aneurysms
Aneurysms can develop in various locations throughout the body, with the most common types including:
- Aortic Aneurysms: Occur along the aorta, the body's largest artery.
- Cerebral Aneurysms: Found in the brain, increasing the risk of stroke.
- Peripheral Aneurysms: Develop in the legs, arms, or neck arteries.
Each type of aneurysm requires careful monitoring and, in some cases, immediate medical intervention.
Symptoms of an Aneurysm
Aneurysms often develop silently, without noticeable symptoms. However, if an aneurysm grows or ruptures, symptoms may include:
- A pulsating lump is visible near the skin's surface.
- Pain or discomfort in the affected area.
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting due to internal bleeding.
- Sudden severe headaches (for cerebral aneurysms).
- Low blood pressure and rapid heart rate in the case of rupture.
Recognizing these warning signs and seeking immediate medical attention can be crucial in preventing severe complications and ensuring timely treatment.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Aneurysms
Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center uses advanced diagnostic imaging techniques such as CT scans, ultrasounds, and MRIs to detect and assess aneurysms. Treatment options vary depending on the size, location, and severity of the aneurysm:
- Medication Management: In cases where surgery is not immediately necessary, medications can help control blood pressure and reduce stress on the arteries.
- Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR): A minimally invasive procedure that uses a stent to reinforce the artery walls.
- Open Surgery: For larger or high-risk aneurysms, open surgery may be required to replace the weakened artery segment with a graft.
Our specialists carefully evaluate each case to determine the best action for effective treatment and long-term vascular health.
The Dangers of an Undiagnosed Aneurysm
When left undiagnosed, an aneurysm can continue to grow, weakening the arterial wall over time. This increases the risk of severe complications, including:
- Rupture:Â Aneurysm rupture can lead to sudden internal bleeding, which is life-threatening and requires emergency medical intervention.
- Blood Clots:Â As blood pools in the aneurysm, clots can form and travel through the bloodstream, potentially causing strokes or blockages in vital organs.
- Organ Damage:Â Aneurysms in critical arteries, such as the aorta, can reduce blood flow to essential organs, leading to tissue damage or failure.
Without proper screening and treatment, an undiagnosed aneurysm can result in life-threatening complications.Â
Why Choose Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center for Aneurysm Treatment?
Our highly trained vascular specialists at Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center provide expert care for aneurysms and other vascular conditions. We offer:
- Comprehensive Diagnostics: State-of-the-art imaging and testing.
- Minimally Invasive Treatment Options: Advanced techniques to reduce recovery time.
- Experienced Specialists: Dedicated vascular experts providing personalized care.
With a commitment to patient-centered care and cutting-edge treatments, Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center ensures that you receive the highest level of expertise for your vascular health.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Treatment
An aneurysm is a localized, balloon-like expansion in a blood vessel caused by weak vessel walls. The aorta is the artery that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the legs. When a bulge occurs in the abdominal section of the aorta, between the diaphragm and the legs, it is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Most aortic aneurysms occur in the abdomen, and most abdominal aortic aneurysms occur beneath the kidneys and may continue into the iliac, or leg, arteries.
Causes of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Atherosclerosis, the narrowing of arteries due to fatty tissue accumulation, weakens vessel walls and is responsible for about 80 percent of aortic aneurysms. Other causes include:
- Congenital deformity
- Blood vessel injury
- Hypertension
- Inflammation due to disease
- Advanced syphilis
- Fungal infection
Men are more likely than women to develop abdominal aortic aneurysms. Being over the age of 60 also increases one‘s chances of developing abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Symptoms of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Abdominal aortic aneurysms may occur with no warning signs. Possible symptoms include:
- Deep abdominal or lower back pain
- Pulsing sensation in the abdomen
- Pallor, rapid pulse, dry skin or mouth
- Excessive thirst
- Anxiety
- Nausea and vomiting
- Light-headedness or fainting with upright posture
- Sweating, clammy skin
- Fatigue
- Palpitations or tachycardia
- Impaired concentration and shock.
Abdominal aortic aneurysms may be detected by manual examination by a physician, X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, MR imaging and aortography.
Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Surgery is recommended for arteries at great risk for rupture: those over six centimeters wide, and those four to six centimeters wide in patients otherwise in good health. Surgery is performed immediately on arteries that threaten imminent rupture or have already ruptured, although success is far less likely once the vessel has burst.
While an abdominal aortic aneurysm presents a grave danger, when it is repaired before rupture the prognosis is quite good. Recovery from the surgery, however, may take several months.
Traditional surgery involves making an incision to open the abdomen, then removing the aneurysm and replacing the excised vessel piece with a synthetic tube. Minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques require only small incisions, typically made in the femoral artery in the thigh, through which a thin tube with a camera is inserted so the surgeon can see inside the patient‘s body without the need for open surgery.
Risks of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
The weakened, bulging vessel walls are susceptible to rupture, a catastrophic event which causes severe bleeding and pain and is often fatal. Half of all untreated abdominal aortic aneurysms end in rupture and death within 5 years. Leakage rather than rupture may occur, causing blood to flow through the inner lining into the vessel wall, known as aortic dissection. Further, blood clots may form in the aneurysm and travel to other arteries, where they may block blood flow. Other complications are infection and blockage of the aorta.
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Take Control of Your Vascular Health
Early detection and treatment of aneurysms can prevent life-threatening complications. If you have risk factors or concerns about your vascular health, contact us in Port Jefferson Station at 631-476-9100, Hauppauge at 631-979-0222, or Riverhead at 631-591-9003.
