Cardiovascular Aneurysms

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) occurs in the abdomen. It can appear on imaging studies and is more likely to occur in people over age 55 who have a history of tobacco use or a strong family history of aneurysms. Heart and Vascular Center vascular surgeons specialize in treating this type of aneurysm.

Learn more about AAA treatment

This type of aneurysm can occur in the front or back of the chest. An ascending thoracic aneurysm near the heart in front of the chest requires complex, open-heart surgery or hybrid aortic surgery by cardiothoracic surgeons. There is often a familial or genetic component to this condition, necessitating family screening and long-term surveillance. For descending thoracic aneurysm occurring behind the chest, surgical management by cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons is needed. Most cases use minimally invasive endovascular stent treatment options.

Learn more about thoracic aortic aneurysms

This aneurysm affects the aorta in the chest and abdominal regions. It is usually asymptomatic and often detected incidentally or through surveillance in patients with chronic aortic dissection disease. HVC cardiothoracic surgeons and vascular surgeons work with a multidisciplinary team to provide care and treatment of these aneurysms. Treatment options, based on patient symptoms, aneurysm size and growth rate, include minimally invasive endovascular procedures, open surgery and endovascular hybrid procedures. Our skilled aortic team achieves excellent outcomes by choosing the optimal and least invasive procedure for each patient. The HVC is one of few centers offering highly specialized, minimally invasive total endovascular procedures to treat complex thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.