Aneurysm Treatment

What is an aneurysm?

An aneurysm is a weakness in the walls of the arteries that carry blood around your body. This weakness causes the affected area to balloon out, and your blood may form a clot.

Aneurysms can develop anywhere in the body. The most common aneurysms are:

Abdominal aortic aneurysm

An abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs in the lower part of your aorta, the major artery that supplies blood to your body. The aorta travels from your heart down into the center of your abdomen.

Popliteal artery aneurysm

A popliteal artery aneurysm develops in the arteries behind the knee.

Iliac artery aneurysm

An iliac artery aneurysm occurs in the arteries of the pelvis.

You may be at increased risk of having an aneurysm if you have underlying health conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

Your risk also increases if you have a family history of aneurysms or if you have a history of smoking.

How is an aneurysm diagnosed?

An aneurysm doesn’t usually cause symptoms until it ruptures, which can cause massive bleeding and be life-threatening. If you form a clot in the aneurysm, it can break up and block blood flow to the rest of your body.

In many cases, aneurysms can be detected during a physical exam when Dr. Xenophontos feels a pulsating mass. He also uses in-office ultrasound technology to evaluate the mass and confirm an aneurysm. Additionally, tests are available to detect and confirm an aneurysm diagnosis, such as:

• CT scan
• CT angiogram
• MR angiogram

Once Dr. Xenophontos understands the location and severity of your aneurysm, he creates a treatment plan to prevent a rupture and other health complications.

What’s involved in aneurysm treatment?

Your treatment plan for an aneurysm depends on its location and its size. Dr. Xenophontos also evaluates the area surrounding the aneurysm to determine the best course of treatment.

For many, surgery to replace the weakened area of the blood vessel is necessary. Dr. Xenophontos removes the affected area and replaces it with a synthetic material. He may also use a vein from your leg to replace the damaged vessel.

Dr. Xenophontos also offers a minimally invasive surgery known as endovascular aneurysm repair, where he places a stent graft to repair artery damage and keep blood flowing. This type of surgery involves a small incision in the groin to access your femoral artery. Using specialized surgical instruments, he moves the stent through this main artery to put it in place.

To learn more about your options for aneurysm treatment, schedule a consultation with Xenophon P. Xenophontos, MD, FACS, FSVS, today online, or by calling the office.