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Treatment for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Treatment for an abdominal aortic aneurysm depends on several factors, including a patient’s physical condition and the condition of the aneurysm.

Treatment may include monitoring the aneurysm’s size and growth, using ultrasound testing. Asymptomatoc aneurysms that are considered small and are not growing quickly may not be treated surgically. They must be continually monitored, however.

Patients may also be advised to adopt a healthier lifestyle, which can slow the development of an aneurysm. Steps may include cessation of smoking, achieving a healthy weight, lowering fat intake, and managing stress.

Medications may be recommended to reduce blood pressure and/or fats in the blood.

Surgical procedures for abdominal aortic aneurysms include an abdominal aortic aneurysm open repair and an endovascular aneurysm repair.

In an abdominal aortic aneurysm open repair, the surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen and works directly on the aorta. A tube is sewn into the aorta, to repair the aneurysm.

In an endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), a tube is inserted through the groin into the femoral artery, and then moved to the site of the aneurysm.