Arterial Aneurysms
Arterial aneurysms are severe medical conditions that require treatment. At Coastal Vein and Vascular, our expert team will diagnose and treat arterial aneurysms and other conditions to ensure you live your best life.
What is an Arterial Aneurysm?
An arterial aneurysm occurs when an artery’s wall bulges, usually due to damage or weakness in the wall. The arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart and deliver it to the rest of the body.
Although aneurysms can occur in any artery of the body, they are most common in the aorta and the brain’s arteries. If you have an arterial aneurysm, you may not realize it, as it can be asymptomatic.
If you experience symptoms, these may include seeing a mass or lump beneath the skin, nausea, or pain in the abdomen or back. These symptoms typically vary depending on the size and location of the arterial aneurysm and how fast it’s growing.
What are the Most Common Kinds of Arterial Aneurysms?
There are different kinds of arterial aneurysms, which can occur in various arteries throughout your body. However, these are the most common kinds of arterial aneurysms:
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an aneurysm that occurs in the abdominal aorta. The aorta is the body’s main artery that supplies blood to the lower half of the body.
An AAA is life-threatening if it ruptures and is the most common arterial aneurysm. Other arterial aneurysms include thoracic aortic aneurysms, popliteal artery aneurysms, mesenteric artery aneurysms, splenic artery aneurysms, and renal artery aneurysms.
Who is Most at Risk for Arterial Aneurysms?
Although anyone can develop an arterial aneurysm, your risk of having one can increase if the following applies to you:
If you know you have one or more of these risk factors, talk to your Coastal Vein and Vascular provider to determine the best strategies for reducing your risk of developing an arterial aneurysm. Steps may include making lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, eating a healthier diet, and exercising more. If you have a family history of arterial aneurysms, your doctor may recommend periodic screenings using duplex ultrasound.
Treating Arterial Aneurysms with Endograft Placement
If you have an arterial aneurysm, the best way to treat them is with a minimally invasive treatment called endograft placement, performed at CarolinaEast Medical Center, conveniently located across the street from Coastal Vein and Vascular.
What is Endograft Placement?
Endograft placement is a minimally invasive procedure that helps repair arterial aneurysms. The procedure inserts a fabric-covered metal stent called an endograft through an incision.
The incision is either made in the groin or an artery in the arm. After being inserted into the incision, the endograft is steered through the various arteries before reaching the aneurysm site.
Once the aneurysm is reached, the endograft is deployed to reinforce the weakened portion of the aorta. When the endograft is positioned, and in place, it provides the aorta with a newly reinforced wall. With the new reinforcements in place, this reduces the risk of rupture in the future.
Learn more about arterial aneurysms and their best treatment by requesting an appointment at Coastal Vein and Vascular in New Bern, NC, now!
