Treating aortic aneurysm with stents in 2023

Doctor Name

Dr.Hossam Elmahdy

Aortic Aneurysm: Causes and Treatment

Aortic aneurysm is a condition that affects individuals over the age of fifty and is more common in men than women. Research has estimated that the incidence among men is nine times higher than among women. In this article, we will learn about aortic aneurysm, the symptoms that occur in affected individuals, and how it is treated with Professor Dr. Hossam El Mahdy, the best vascular surgeon.

What is the Aorta?

The aorta is the largest artery in the body, connecting the heart to the rest of the body’s organs. It is the main artery that carries clean blood from the heart to the arteries and small blood vessels throughout the body, through the systemic circulation that begins from the left ventricle in the heart to the right atrium at the end of the circuit. Approximately 6 to 7 liters of blood pass through the aorta per minute, with the amount varying according to a person’s weight and height. The aorta extends from the left ventricle, traverses the thoracic and abdominal cavities, and then divides into the thoracic aorta, known as the thoracic aorta, in the chest area, and the abdominal aorta in the abdominal area. The abdominal aorta is more prone to dilation due to its lower content of elastic fibers compared to those in the thoracic aorta.

What are the Symptoms of Aortic Aneurysm?

Aortic aneurysm often has no symptoms initially and is frequently discovered incidentally, which is why individuals over the age of 65 are advised to undergo annual abdominal ultrasound scans.

Here are some common symptoms caused by abdominal aortic aneurysm:

Various sudden abdominal pains accompanied by pulsating swelling.
Back pain due to pressure on the spine.
Swelling in the legs due to pressure on the vena cava.
Bleeding during urination or bowel movements.
Loss of consciousness.
Presence of abdominal bulges.

The symptoms of aortic aneurysm vary depending on the condition, differing from one patient to another based on individual health status, as well as the degree of dilation in the aorta.

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What are the Causes of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?

Abdominal aortic aneurysm is defined as an increase in its size by more than 50% from its usual size. There are several factors contributing to the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm, including:

Accumulation of various fats on the inner wall of the blood vessel.
Infections caused by bacterial and fungal infections in the area of the aortic artery.
Exposure to shocks and accidents, where sudden shocks or accidents are considered a cause of aortic aneurysm.
Diseases affecting blood vessels that lead to aortic aneurysm.
High blood pressure is one of the main causes leading to the weakening and dilation of the aortic artery.

Complications of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm:

Patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm are at risk of several complications and health dangers if left untreated. These complications include:

Internal bleeding in the body resulting from the rupture of the aortic artery, with mortality rates reaching up to 90% for such cases.
Aortic dissection due to the weakness of the blood vessel wall caused by its dilation.

Therefore, patients should be cautious about these complications by visiting their doctor and ensuring necessary and continuous follow-up to ensure their safety. This includes:

Undergoing necessary medical examinations, including ultrasound scans.
Taking medications to control blood pressure to halt the rapid deterioration of aortic dilation.
Completely abstaining from smoking, as it leads to an increase in complications.

Risk Factors:

In the previous paragraphs, we learned about the complications that lead to the increased dilation and rupture of the aortic artery in the absence of treatment. There are several factors that increase the risk of developing dilatation of the blood vessels in the abdominal aorta, and here are the most important of these factors:

Age: Age is a factor that determines the risk of aortic artery dilation, as many studies have shown that it occurs more frequently in the elderly than in any other age group.
Chronic diseases: Such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and diabetes.
Smoking: Smokers are more exposed to factors that lead to aortic artery dilation and rupture, in addition to serious health complications resulting from smoking.
Obesity: Excessive weight gain is one of the factors that increases the complications of aortic artery dilation.
Genetic factor: It may be a cause of the onset of aortic artery dilation, as the occurrence of aortic artery dilation in a family member undoubtedly increases the complications and severity of this disease.
Autoimmune diseases: Such as Behçet’s disease and genetic disorders.

Treatment of Aortic Aneurysm:

Diagnosis is made through contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans to determine the appropriate treatment plan. Treatment methods vary according to each individual case, with cases classified based on the extent of dilation into:

Dilation not exceeding 5 cm: Monitoring is advised, which is a waiting period where steps towards treating aortic aneurysm begin. The doctor conducts various precise examinations and regular analyses of the patient until the extent of dilation in the aortic artery is determined, following all recommendations to prevent exacerbation of the dilation.
Dilation exceeding 5 cm: Intervention is necessary to prevent complications of dilation, either through open surgery or stent placement.

Aortic Aneurysm Stent in Detail:

Dr. Hossam El Mahdy installs an artificial artery secured on a stent in the abdominal aortic artery, specifically after the renal arteries to ensure proper blood supply to the kidneys, thereby isolating the dilation from the blood flow pathway.

The procedure involves two incisions in the upper thigh artery depending on catheterization. The installation of aortic artery stents is one of the therapeutic methods that has definite results in treating dilation.

As for the cost of the aortic artery operation, it depends on various factors including the surgeon’s fees, hospital stay, the type of stent, and the techniques and tools used in stent installation.

How to Prevent Aortic Aneurysm or Prevent Its Expansion:

Prevention is always better than cure, so there are several preventive measures against aortic aneurysm and avoiding its occurrence. These measures include:

Avoiding Smoking:
Smoking is considered one of the dangerous factors that increase the complications of aortic aneurysm and the risks associated with it.

Engaging in Physical Exercise:
Individuals should engage in daily physical exercise, as it helps to eliminate fat, regulate cholesterol levels in the blood, and control blood pressure.

Regular Blood Pressure Monitoring:
It is known that high blood pressure can be one of the factors leading to the occurrence of aortic aneurysm, so individuals with hypertension should measure their blood pressure daily and have regular check-ups with their doctor in case of sudden elevation.

Healthy Eating:
It is essential for everyone to adhere to a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and low-fat proteins, and to consume beneficial foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts.

Avoiding High-Calorie Foods:
Such as fast food, carbonated beverages, foods rich in triglycerides and trans fats, and foods rich in sodium.

Dear reader, we would like to reassure you of the presence of modern non-surgical and minimally invasive methods for treating aortic aneurysm with the best and most proficient doctor, Dr. Hossam El Mahdy, Professor of Vascular Surgery at Kasr Al Ainy, Cairo University.

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