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Aneurysm: Permanent local dilation of the abdominal aorta twice the diameter of the normal vessel.

The abdominal aorta is a large vessel with a diameter of 2cm, it descends from the heart, travels up and in front of the spine and supplies blood to the organs of the abdomen and the legs.

Because it is located in the abdomen, it is called the “abdominal aorta”, in the chest, “thoracic aorta”. It is the most common aneurysm in humans and is the 14th cause of death.

It is an atomic bomb that ruptures with consequent death when it grows > 5cm. Einstein, the father of the atomic bomb, died of a rupture (aneurysm) from the bomb itself – an aneurysm.

The aneurysm is definitively treated today, as long as it is diagnosed.

What technique is used to treat it?

Endoscopically – closed with Stent Graft (70-80%).

• Hospital stay 2-3 daysOpen surgery (20-30%)
• Hospital stay 5-7 days

The aneurysm grows 2.5-5 millimeters per year, so someone who has a small aneurysm, e.g. 3.5-4 centimeters, should be monitored once a year with ultrasound.

Who is more likely to have an abdominal aortic aneurysm and when should I get tested?

• Age over 65 years
• Male (rarely women)
• Smoker
• Hereditary abdominal aortic aneurysm (father, brother)

Additionally:

People who have an aneurysm in another vessel in the body, e.g. chest

• Hypertension
• High cholesterol – lipids
• Inflammation

What test should I do to see if I have an aneurysm?

• Triplex – Ultrasound of the abdominal aorta
• Upper and lower abdominal CT with contrast
• Angiography (gold standards)
• MRA (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

When do you operate on the aneurysm?

1. When the diameter is >5 cm (sometimes 5.5)
2. If the diameter increases sharply >0.5 cm. in 3-4 months
3. If the aneurysm is “saciform”

Note: Saciform aneurysms are operated on immediately when they are ³2 centimeters because they rupture very easily

4. If there are symptoms:

• Acute – sudden back pain (that does not go away with painkillers)
• Sudden low blood pressure and back pain
• Sudden fainting and back pain
• Continuous back pain
• Continuous buttock (thigh) pain
• Acute blockage of an artery in the legs
• If there is: Mild continuous back pain
• Tenths
• Increased CSF pressure – sedimentation or CRP

Where do you operate on abdominal aortic aneurysm?

In organized vascular surgery clinics, specialized for this purpose.

The Athens Medical Center is a pioneer in technological equipment – ​​Hybrid Room, in organization and high scientific potential.

TIPS

• About 9,000 people die from a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm each year in the U.S.
• As age increases >65, the incidence of aneurysm increases, with men 10 times more likely.
• The more cigarettes we smoke, the more likely abdominal aortic aneurysms are to occur and the more likely their diameter increases.
• 15 times more likely in smokers
• If someone quits smoking, it takes more than 25 years for an aneurysm to develop or develop.

Ask for a second opinion from the Universities that Mr. Coustas collaborates with:

1. MGH Harvard Medical School
2. University of Stony Brook – New York