Aortic Aneurysm

At Memorial Hermann Health System, we are committed to caring for a full range of cardiovascular conditions. Our affiliated physicians are nationally recognized and utilize leading-edge technology to offer a variety of treatment options.

Each year, 15,000 Americans die from ruptures of aortic aneurysms, often without ever having symptoms, and the incidence of these aneurysms has increased substantially in recent decades.

Memorial Hermann-affiliated physicians team, together with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth faculty members, combine the expertise of cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons and other specialists, to ensure patients with aneurysms receive coordinated, evidence-based care with the best possible outcomes.

What Is Aortic Aneurysm?

The aorta is the largest artery in the body and it provides blood to all organs. The aorta has two parts: the thoracic aorta is the portion that runs through the chest, and the abdominal aorta is the portion that runs through the abdomen.

An aortic aneurysm is a "ballooning" in a weak spot in the wall of the aorta that can lead to rupture or dissection. An aneurysm occurs when part of an artery wall weakens, and then expands. Aneurysms can happen anywhere in the body, but usually occur in your aorta.

An aneurysm can occur anywhere in the aorta. There are three types of aortic aneurysm:

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

Occurs in the section of the aorta that runs through the abdomen.

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA)

Occurs in the section of the aorta that runs through the chest.

Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA)

Occurs in sections of the aorta that are in both the abdomen and the chest.

Some aneurysms are congenital (present at birth), while others may be caused by injury or aortic disease. Conditions including COPD, atherosclerosis or a lower-extremity occlusion can also lead to an aneurysm.

Aortic aneurysm symptoms vary, depending on the location in the aorta. Aneurysms can develop slowly, over many years, and may not cause any symptoms.

When an aneurysm ruptures, you will experience pain, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, clammy skin, rapid heart rate, shock or plunging blood pressure. This is a medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 to seek prompt attention if belly or back pain is extreme and unrelenting.

Symptoms of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA):

• A pulsating feeling near the belly button
• Deep pain in the abdomen
• Deep pain on the side of the abdomen
• Back pain

Symptoms of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA):

• Hoarseness of voice
• Coughing
• Difficulties swallowing or breathing
• Neck swelling
• Pain in the chest, shoulder, neck, jaw or upper back
• Clammy skin
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid heart rate

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle may help reduce the risk of developing an aortic aneurysm. Risk factors include:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Smoking (past or present)
• Obesity
• Emphysema
• Male gender
• Family history
• Advanced age

Imaging exams are used to diagnose aortic aneurysms:

• Abdominal ultrasound
• Abdominal CT scan
• Angiography of aorta
• Chest X-ray
• Chest CT scan
• Intravascular ultrasound
• Diagnostic angiogram
• Transesophageal echocardiogram

Small aneurysms may not need surgical treatment, and your physician may recommend monitoring with regular imaging tests. Medications to slow aneurysm growth may also be recommended.

If the aneurysm expands to a large enough size, surgery may be necessary.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR)

The minimally invasive TEVAR procedure reinforces the weakened portion of the aorta to reduce the risk of rupture. A small incision is made and a stent-graft is inserted into the diseased portion of the aorta. The stent-graft will remain in place to strengthen and support the aorta.

Endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair (EVAR)

The minimally invasive TEVAR procedure reinforces the weakened portion of the aorta to reduce the risk of rupture. A small incision is made and a stent-graft is inserted into the diseased portion of the aorta. The stent-graft will remain in place to strengthen and support the aorta.

Open aneurysm repair

During this complex surgical procedure, your surgeon makes an incision in the chest and/or abdomen to remove a weakened section of the aorta and replace it with a fabric tube called a graft. The graft is stronger than the weakened aorta and allows blood to pass through it without causing a bulge.

Treating and repairing aortic aneurysms requires highly trained specialists who are experienced with the latest surgical techniques. The Larry D. Johnson Heart & Vascular Institute at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center has demonstrated successes with these surgeries, and has produced many positive outcomes. Find and schedule an appointment with one of our affiliated physicians.