What is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?

Mr Usman Jaffer explains when it is important to consider repair for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Evidence from trials shows that operating on small aneurysms (less than 5.5cm in diameter) has no benefit over monitoring. Generally, we would offer to repair aneurysms greater than 5.5cm.

Professor Alun Davies explains that there are two main treatment options for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), and that they are open surgery and endovascular repair.

Mr Usman Jaffer explains that there are two options to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): endovascular repair (EVAR) and open repair. Open repair is a major operation which mostly commonly involves an incision vertically down the abdomen (belly). The aorta is then found at the back of the abdomen behind the guts. The area of aneurysm in the aorta is then opened and a fabric tube is fixed inside the aorta to strengthen it. Different types of grafts are used depending on where the aneurysm is located and how far it extends.

Mr Usman Jaffer explains that there are two options to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): endovascular repair (EVAR) and open repair. In terms of EVAR, this is done by keyhole incisions in the groin. A device (called a stent graft) is inserted into the femoral artery (artery in the thigh) in the groin and travels up the blood vessels to reach the aorta inside the abdomen (belly). It is fixed inside the aorta to strengthen it and prevent it from rupturing (bursting).

Mr Usman Jaffer explains that there are two options to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): endovascular repair (EVAR) and open repair. In terms of EVAR, this is done by keyhole incisions in the groin. A device (called a stent graft) is inserted into the femoral artery (artery in the thigh) in the groin and travels up the blood vessels to reach the aorta inside the abdomen (belly). It is fixed inside the aorta to strengthen it and prevent it from rupturing (bursting).

Mr Simpson had an Endovascular Repair of an infra-renal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) known as an EVAR. The procedure was complication by blood clot travelling down a leg artery resulting in some gangrene of the tips of his toes. The gangrene was limited in amount and Mr Simpson made an excellent recovery with his aneurysm repaired.