Click Here for information on the Aneurysm Screening Service from London Vascular Group
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Most aneurysms are treated by an operation on the abdomen in which the aneurysm is replaced with an artificial artery made of a strong material. However where they can, the London Vascular Group use a new treatment (endovascular aneurysm repair) where a special stent graft is threaded/pushed up into the aortic aneurysm through a small incision in each groin. This is the very latest technology and results in a shorter stay in hospital after the operation and a much quicker recovery period.
Aneurysms – what are they? An aneurysm is a small area of an artery which is wider than normal due to a weakness in the wall of the artery. The aorta is the large artery carrying blood from the heart through the chest and abdomen and eventually into the legs. The part of the aorta where an aneurysm most commonly occurs is where it passes through the abdomen - an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA). Who gets them? Aneurysms are most common in men over the age of 65. Smokers and younger men with a family history of aneurysms are at risk. Men with other arterial diseases such as angina, hardening of the arteries and high blood pressure, are also at risk. Each year this is likely to happen to 1 in every 1200 men over the age of 65. About 7000 people in the UK die every year due to an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Should they be treated? Occasionally an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm can give way or tear. This can cause serious problems such as blood loss and sometimes death. The risk of rupture and therefore the need for an operation depends on the size of the aneurysm. If the aneurysm is large, it may be safer to have an operation to repair it. Once repaired, the risk of rupture disappears. An operation is advised when the threat of the aneurysm bursting is more than the risk of having the operation itself. Sometimes a small Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm can increase in size. People with small AAAs may need to be scanned at regular intervals to check whether this is happening.
You can expect the greatest care during a stay or appointment with the London Vascular Group. Outlined below is the major steps that take place during the appointment and admission of a typical Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Outpatient appointment (1) You will be seen and assessed by consultant vascular surgeon. An ultrasound scan will be performed in clinic to determine the size of the aneurysm. click here for more information on screening If the size of the aneurysm warrants treatment a CT scan will be arranged. You will be provided with information regarding endovascular repair (stent graft) or open surgery 2. Outpatient appointment (2) You will be seen with the result of the CT Scan A decision will be made regarding the method of treatment and a date will be given for the procedure 3. Admission for endovascular repair or open surgery 4. Follow-up appointment following surgery CT scan required at 3 months and then annually following endovascular repair Outpatient appointment at 6 weeks following open surgery