Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a serious condition that affects the main artery in your body. The artery is called the aorta, and it carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body. The aorta runs through your chest and belly area, called the abdomen. Sometimes, the wall of the aorta can become weak and bulge out like a balloon. This is called an aneurysm.
An abdominal aortic aneurysm can be dangerous because it can burst or rupture. This can cause severe bleeding and shock, which can be life-threatening. That is why medical negligence involving abdominal aortic aneurysms is very serious. The risk of rupture increases as the aneurysm grows larger. Therefore, it is important to diagnose and treat an abdominal aortic aneurysm before it ruptures.
Risk Factors for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
The causes of abdominal aortic aneurysms are not fully understood, but some factors may increase the risk of developing one. Responsible Doctors must be aware of these risk factors, which include:
- Being male;
- Being older than 60 years;
- Smoking cigarettes;
- Having high blood pressure;
- Having high cholesterol;
- Having a family history of aneurysms;
- Having certain genetic disorders, such as Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Symptoms for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Most people with abdominal aortic aneurysms do not have any symptoms, unless the aneurysm ruptures. That is why medical negligence often involves Doctors who choose not to screen and look for abdominal aortic aneurysms before it is too late. However, some people may experience:
- A pulsating feeling near the navel or belly button;
- Abdominal pain or tenderness;
- Back pain or lower back pain;
- A feeling of fullness after eating a small amount of food
Sudden, severe pain in your abdomen or back, or signs of shock, such as pale skin, sweating, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, or fainting, could be signs of a ruptured aneurysm.
Diagnosing Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Abdominal aortic aneurysms are diagnosed through medical examinations, including medical and family history. You may also need some tests to check the size and shape of your aorta. These tests may include:
- Abdominal ultrasound: This is the most common test to diagnose abdominal aortic aneurysms. It uses sound waves to create images of your organs and blood vessels on a screen.
- Abdominal CT scan: This test uses X-rays to create cross-sectional images of your organs and blood vessels. It can show more details than an ultrasound.
- Abdominal MRI: This test uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of your organs and blood vessels. It can also show how blood flows through your aorta.
Treatment for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
The treatment for an abdominal aortic aneurysm depends on how big it is and how fast it is growing. The goal of treatment is to prevent the aneurysm from rupturing and causing complications. The main options for treatment are:
- Watchful waiting: This means having regular checkups and imaging tests to monitor the size and growth of the aneurysm. You may also need to take medicines to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, and to quit smoking if you smoke. This option is usually recommended for small aneurysms that are not causing symptoms or growing fast.
- Surgery: This means having an operation to repair or replace the weakened part of the aorta with a synthetic graft or tube. There are two types of surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysms:
- Open surgery: This involves making a large cut in your abdomen and clamping off the blood flow to the aorta. The surgeon then removes the damaged part of the aorta and sews in the graft. This is a major surgery that requires general anesthesia and a long recovery time.
- Endovascular surgery: This involves making small cuts in your groin and inserting thin tubes called catheters into your blood vessels. The surgeon then guides a graft through the catheters and places it inside the aneurysm. The graft reinforces the wall of the aorta and prevents it from rupturing. This is a less invasive surgery that requires local anesthesia and a shorter recovery time.
The type of surgery that is best for you depends on several factors, such as the size and location of the aneurysm, your age and health, and the risks and benefits of each procedure. An abdominal aortic aneurysm can be a serious condition, but it can be diagnosed and treated with proper care.
Contact Us Immediately If You Believe Medical Negligence Happened With an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
If you think that you or a loved one is the victim of medical negligence due to an abdominal aortic aneurysm, please contact us immediately. We have experienced medical negligence attorneys who will listen to your concerns and work together to help figure out if a Doctor ignored safety rules and chose not to properly screen or treat this life-threatening condition.