Common signs
- Usually none — found incidentally on ultrasound or CT
- A pulsing sensation in the abdomen
- Sudden severe abdominal or back pain is an emergency — call 911
How I treat it
- Screening — a one-time ultrasound is reasonable for those at higher risk, especially men over 65 who have smoked; it takes minutes in our office
- Surveillance — scheduled periodic ultrasound follow-up in our office lab for aneurysms that don't yet need repair, to evaluate for any changes over time
- EVAR (endovascular aneurysm repair) — the minimally invasive standard for most anatomy: a stent-graft placed through small groin punctures relines the aorta from the inside
- Open repair — for anatomy where it's the more durable choice
Common questions
When does an aneurysm need to be repaired?
It depends on size and on how fast it is growing. Small aneurysms are safely watched with periodic ultrasound; repair is considered once an aneurysm reaches a size where the risk of rupture outweighs the risk of the procedure.
Who should be screened for an aortic aneurysm?
Screening is reasonable for people at higher risk, especially men over 65 who have smoked. It's a one-time ultrasound and takes minutes in our office.
Is repair open surgery or minimally invasive?
For most anatomy, EVAR — a stent-graft placed through small groin punctures — is the standard. Open repair is chosen when it's the more durable option for your anatomy.