Did you know…?

• An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a weak area in the aorta, the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
• 1 in every 250 people over age 50 will die of a ruptured aorta resulting from an untreated aneurysm.

The MVS team of board certified physicians has established the Aortic Aneurysm Treatment Program to deliver critical solutions for patients who suffer from this potentially life-threatening condition. They are proud to offer innovative, minimally invasive treatments that eliminate the need for open surgery and dramatically reduce the risk of pain and complications.

The experience to deliver an insightful and accurate diagnosis

MVS physicians are leading experts in the diagnosis and treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms. They begin with a thorough physical exam of the patient to detect signs of the condition, and also utilize highly accurate diagnostic techniques, including:

• Ultrasound – A painless technique used to acquire clear images of the aorta and detect the presence of an aneurysm.
• Computerized Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – Used to accurately determine the size of an aneurysm.

The MVS team uses the information gathered from the patient’s medical history, physical exam and diagnostic tests to determine the safest and most effective aneurysm treatment.

Leading-edge skills to resolve aneurysms without open surgery

Aneurysms less than 5 centimeters that are not growing rapidly or causing symptoms usually require “watchful waiting” under the guidance of a vascular specialist. For larger aneurysms, the most common treatment has traditionally been open surgery that requires a large incision and clamping of the aorta, which places great stress on the heart. Today, MVS physicians offer a highly effective alternative to this risky and invasive approach.

Minimally invasive aortic aneurysm treatment is performed using an ultra-thin catheter that is guided inside the patient’s artery through a tiny incision in the groin. A compressed stent graft is guided through the catheter and opened at the site of the aneurysm, creating new walls through which blood can flow. After treatment, most patients return quickly to their normal activities, and enjoy a dramatic reduction in pain and complications.

Key advantages of minimally invasive aortic aneurysm treatment:

• No abdominal surgical incision
• No clamping of the aorta
• No lengthy hospital stay or extended recovery time
• Significantly less pain
• Dramatically lower risk of complications

About abdominal aortic aneurysms

As blood flows through the aorta, the weak area, or aneurysm, bulges like a balloon and can burst if it gets too big. Aortic aneurysms are often called a “silent killer” because there may be no obvious symptoms. However, when symptoms are present, they may include abdominal pain, lower back pain that may radiate to the buttocks, groin or legs, and a “heartbeat” or pulse in the abdomen.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms account for more than 15,000 deaths each year. Those at highest risk are men over age 60 who have ever smoked and/or who have a history of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).