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    Vascular Surgery

    Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

    Overview

    An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in the wall of the aorta, the body's largest artery. An aneurysm in the abdomen is an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

    Numerous factors can contribute to AAA including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and genetics. Most abdominal aortic aneurysms do not cause symptoms. However, they can be life-threatening if they grow too large and rupture or burst. An aneurysm can be found on imaging studies intended for other reasons or can be identified on screening ultrasounds for patients over age 55 who have a history of tobacco use or a strong family history of aneurysms.

    The Heart and Vascular Center vascular surgery team specializes in both AAA and thoracoabdominal aneurysms that affect the chest and abdomen.

    Treating Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

    Patient Care Treatment

    Depending on aneurysm size, treatment may include medication to control blood pressure and cholesterol or aneurysm repair by vascular surgeons. This may be through an open surgical operation or, more commonly, endovascular, minimally invasive techniques. Our skilled aortic surgery team has excellent surgical outcomes.

    Post-surgical care

    Most patients undergoing endovascular aneurysm repair will be able to return home on the day after surgery. Patients undergoing open repair will typically stay in the hospital four to seven days. After surgery, your vascular surgeon will monitor you regularly using either ultrasound or CT scans to evaluate your repair. These tests are usually performed on an annual basis.

    Aortic Surveillance Program

    The Heart and Vascular Center Aortic Surveillance Program provides long-term monitoring of a patient’s aorta for those with aortic disease (e.g., aneurysm, dissection, ulcer, and hematoma) and those who have had surgery involving the aorta.

    Learn more about the Aortic Surveillance Program

    Patient Resources

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    Through Yale Medicine, we offer clinical trials, offering access to the newest transcatheter procedures.
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    brian

    After heart and vascular surgeries, Brian came back healthier

    Westerly, Rhode Island, resident Brian recalls little from the night he suffered a ruptured aortic aneurysm. One snippet involves a memory of being loaded into the SkyHealth emergency transport helicopter but not the quick flight to Yale New Haven Hospital for lifesaving surgery.

    Read More
    Yale School of Medicine

    Yale New Haven Health is proud to be affiliated with the prestigious Yale University and its highly ranked Yale School of Medicine.