Our team provides expert, coordinated care using the most advanced minimally invasive and surgical treatments.
Medically reviewed on June 16, 2023.
Our skilled specialists work together to diagnose and treat aortic aneurysms. We offer state-of-the-art procedures to reduce the risk of rupture and protect your health.
An aortic aneurysm is a bulge that occurs in a weakened area of the aorta, the largest artery in your body.
The aorta travels up from your heart. Curving 180 degrees, it goes down through your chest and abdomen. Arteries branch off the aorta. They carry oxygen-rich blood to your head, arms, legs and internal organs.
Your aorta has a thick, flexible wall, so it can withstand the pressure of pumping blood. If the wall becomes damaged or weak, it can widen or balloon out.
Aneurysms can occur anywhere along the aorta:
Aortic aneurysms can be life-threatening. They may burst (rupture), or a tear may occur between the layers of your aortic wall (aortic dissection). These conditions require emergency treatment.
Most people with aortic aneurysms don’t have symptoms. Symptoms usually occur when an aneurysm presses on structures inside your body.
Aortic aneurysm symptoms vary depending on the location of the aneurysm. You may experience one or more symptoms.
A ruptured aortic aneurysm is a medical emergency. Call 911 if you or a loved one has:
Aortic aneurysms are caused by a range of conditions that damage or weaken the aortic wall.
Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque inside your arteries. These fatty deposits can damage artery walls. Atherosclerosis is the main cause of abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Certain inherited conditions can affect the structure of the aortic wall, making it weak. Examples include Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome and bicuspid aortic valve.
Over time, high blood pressure inside your arteries can damage artery walls and weaken them.
Bacterial and viral infections of the aorta and chronic inflammatory conditions, such as vasculitis, can damage the aortic wall.
A traumatic injury can damage your aorta and cause an aneurysm.
Certain factors can increase your risk for aortic aneurysm, including:
Smoking is a key risk factor for aortic aneurysms, especially those in the abdomen.
Abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms can run in families. If you have a family member with an abdominal aortic aneurysm, your risk of also developing the condition is one in five.
Certain health conditions increase your risk of aortic aneurysm. They include cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity.
Some risk factors you cannot control, such as male gender, older age (over 65) and white race.
To diagnose an aortic aneurysm, your physician performs a physical exam and reviews your medical and family history. Your physician may also recommend an imaging test, such as an ultrasound, CT or MRI.
A special ultrasound called a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is an effective test for diagnosing thoracic aortic aneurysms. This test provides a detailed picture of your thoracic aorta. It involves inserting an ultrasound probe down your esophagus. Before the procedure, you receive medicine to help you relax.
If you have a family history of aortic aneurysm, your physician may also recommend genetic testing. A genetic test looks for changes (mutations) in certain genes that may be linked to aortic aneurysms.
Screening tests help find a condition before you develop symptoms. Your physician may recommend aortic aneurysm screening if you have a family history or other risk factors.
Men between ages 65 and 75 who smoke or have smoked may receive a one-time abdominal aortic aneurysm screening test. The innovative UC Davis Health abdominal aortic aneurysm surveillance program uses artificial intelligence (AI) to identify patients who may need screening.
Your treatment depends on many factors, including the size and location of the aneurysm and your overall health. For a small aneurysm, treatment may include medications, lifestyle changes and close monitoring.
If there is a risk of rupture, you will need a minimally invasive or surgical procedure to fix the aneurysm. Our caring team helps you understand your options and decide the best treatment for you.
Endovascular procedures repair aneurysms from inside the artery.
An interventional cardiologist inserts a thin, hollow tube (catheter) through an artery in your groin to your aorta. They pass a collapsed stent (fabric-covered metal mesh tube) through the catheter and expand it inside the aorta. The stent provides long-lasting support.
Two main types of endovascular procedures for aortic aneurysm repair are:
Because these techniques are minimally invasive, you typically experience less pain and recover faster than with open surgery.
Our interventional cardiologists are nationally recognized for their skill. Other medical centers across the U.S. ask us to teach their physicians complex endovascular procedures.
Aortic aneurysm surgery involves replacing the damaged section of aorta with a fabric tube (graft). Surgery can be complex if the aneurysm lies close to branching arteries. In this case, specialized or custom grafts may be necessary.
Our surgeons have extensive skill and experience in performing complex aortic aneurysm procedures. This expertise leads to excellent outcomes for our patients.
A heart-healthy lifestyle is the best way to prevent an aortic aneurysm. Steps you can take include:
"Aortic Aneurysm Causes and Risk Factors," NIH, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/aortic-aneurysm/causes
"Get Regular Physical Activity," NIH, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart-healthy-living/physical-activity
75%Of abdominal aortic aneurysms are caused by smoking
65-75Are recommended to get an abdominal ultrasound screening, even with no symptoms
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Aortic Aneurysm
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Screening
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