Silent Killer: Understanding and Treating Abdominal Aortic aneurysms
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are a serious, often silent, condition affecting the major blood vessel supplying the abdomen. This ticking time bomb can lead to life-threatening ruptures if left undetected. According to medical experts, over 100,000 peopel worldwide die annually from this condition. A ruptured AAA, without a blood clot to stem the bleeding, carries a mortality rate exceeding 80%. Even with a blood clot and emergency surgery, survival rates hover around only 50%.
“Abdominal aortic aneurysm is like an unexploded bomb in the body. Most patients have no obvious symptoms,” explains a leading vascular surgeon. Early detection is crucial. He urges men over 65, particularly those with a history of smoking, family history of AAA, high blood pressure, or connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome, to undergo abdominal ultrasound screenings. He recommends starting screenings at age 45 for those in high-risk groups.
What is an Abdominal Aortic aneurysm?
An AAA is a bulge or widening in the abdominal aorta, the large blood vessel running down the abdomen.A healthy aorta typically measures 2-3 centimeters in diameter. However, various factors can cause abnormal enlargement. Once the enlargement exceeds 50% of its normal size, it’s clinically considered an aneurysm. When the diameter surpasses 5.5 centimeters, the risk of rupture increases dramatically each year, necessitating prompt medical intervention.
Because AAAs are located deep within the body, they are difficult to detect through physical examination. Accurate diagnosis relies on abdominal ultrasound or, for more detailed imaging, a computed tomography (CT) scan. While conventional CT scans suffice, advanced 1024-slice CT technology offers superior imaging capabilities, providing a wider field of view (16 cm) and detecting even small lesions (as small as 0.1 cm) quickly and efficiently. This technology can also identify other potential issues,such as coronary artery disease.
Treatment options for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Treatment for AAAs typically involves either open laparotomy (traditional surgery) or minimally invasive stent grafting. The latter is the preferred method for the vast majority of patients (over 90%), especially those over 50. The choice of stent depends on individual patient factors. Various types of stents are available,including covered stents,fenestrated stents,and branched stents. In complex cases, customized stents can be created to precisely match the patient’s anatomy.
The details provided in this article is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is indeed essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
Minimally Invasive Surgery offers Hope for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Patients
abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are a serious condition affecting the aorta, the body’s largest artery. While open surgery has long been the standard treatment, minimally invasive stent graft procedures are increasingly offering a less invasive option.These advancements are improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
The use of stents is now a viable option for many patients, particularly those with a tumor neck larger than 4 mm.However, challenges remain. “When the stent is placed in a very short tumor neck, there’s a risk of slippage and endoleakage,” explains Dr. Chen Weihua. This highlights the need for innovative solutions.
One such solution is the use of intraluminal anchors. “According to large-scale international studies, they can significantly reduce the chance of type 1 or 2 endoleaks and are of great help to patient prognosis,” Dr. Chen Weihua notes. These anchors provide enhanced fixation, improving the long-term success of the procedure.
Further advancements involve the use of specialized catheters. Dr. Chen Weihua explains, “Some catheters can be pre-embedded in the abdominal aortic aneurysm. Special glue or special procoagulant drugs can be applied to the catheter during placement to generate thrombus in the aneurysm to reduce the risk of leakage.” This innovative approach aims to further minimize the risk of complications.
Large-Scale Research Underway
While surgical treatment of aaas is currently covered by health insurance in many cases, minimally invasive stent surgery is a relatively new technique. to better understand long-term outcomes, Annan Hospital is collaborating with hospitals in South Korea and Shanghai on a major Asian-level research project. This study will focus on the risk of endoleak, the need for re-intervention, and overall prognosis five to ten years post-stent placement.
Dr. Chen Weihua emphasizes the importance of prevention. “I believe that the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms will continue to improve in the future, but the best way to treat it is still prevention. People should avoid smoking, manage high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, and other risk factors.” Regular follow-up appointments,blood pressure control,and lifestyle modifications are crucial for patients after accomplished treatment.
