Aneurysms

What Is an Aneurysm?

An aneurysm occurs as the result of a weakening in the wall of an artery. That weakened part of the artery wall swells from the force of blood pushing through it. Aneurysms are most commonly seen in the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. However, aneurysms can occur in nearly any artery in the body, usually in the area where an artery branches into other vessels.

Don’t Ignore the Signs & Symptoms of Aneurysms

Because aneurysms can rupture without any warning, it is important to diagnose and treat them as early as possible. The vascular surgeons at California Aneurysm Center have special diagnostic equipment to find and evaluate potential aneurysms. Our vascular specialists also offer different treatment options that can be customized to a patient’s specific needs, location of the aneurysm, and medical history.

Types of Aneurysms

Aneurysms are named by the location where they are found in the body:

Aortic Thoracic Aneurysm

Located in the chest portion of the aorta.

Aortic Abdominal Aneurysm

Found in the abdominal portion of the aorta.

Iliac Aneurysm

Weakening in the iliac artery is found in the pelvis.

Peripheral Aneurysm

Occurs in an artery other than the aorta, often in the femoral artery in the upper leg or popliteal artery on the back of the lower thigh.

Mesenteric Artery Aneurysm

Arteries carrying blood to the gastrointestinal tract.

Splenic Artery Aneurysm

Located in the artery of the spleen.

Symptoms & Treatment

An aneurysm can develop over a number of years, and often will not present with any symptoms until it ruptures and becomes a medical emergency. Symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm might include:

Pain in the area of the aneurysm
Dizziness
Clammy skin
Nausea & vomiting

You may also have location-specific symptoms, such as constipation if the aneurysm is in the abdomen or a pulsating, painful lump if the aneurysm is located in a peripheral artery near the surface of the skin.

Board Certified vascular surgeons are skilled at diagnosing and accurately evaluating aneurysms of all kinds to determine the best course of action. A vascular specialist will also explain the condition and treatment options to the patient, ensuring the patient is a direct participant in his own treatment plan.

Treatment

Dr. Ahluwalia is Board Certified in Vascular Surgery and currently offers treatment for patients diagnosed with an aneurysm:

Endovascular Surgery

Endovascular procedures have replaced traditional surgery in many situations because the procedures are less invasive and require much shorter recovery times. In the case of endovascular aneurysm repair, a graft is inserted into the weakened artery to provide support and prevent blood flow from occurring directly in the aneurysm. The graft is placed in the artery via a catheter threaded through an artery in the groin, eliminating the need for a large incision, and reducing discomfort and recovery time for the patient.

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