Aortic Aneurysm Treatment
Over 15 Years of Experience | Board Certified Vascular Surgeon | Locally Owned
Over 15 Years of Experience
Board Certified Vascular Surgeon
Locally Owned
Know the Signs and Get the Care You Need
An aneurysm is an abnormal enlargement or bulging of an artery greater than 1.5 times its normal diameter. While aneurysms can occur in any artery of the body, the most common is the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). With over 200,000 new AAA cases diagnosed every year, up to 5% of the population is affected by this disorder. It also carries a 75 - 90% mortality rate, making it the 13th leading cause of death in the U.S.
Major risk factors include smoking, family history, age over 60, and the male gender. AAA is called the "silent killer" as 75% of patients have no symptoms at all when diagnosed. Symptoms may include abdominal pain or a pulsating sensation in the abdomen. Symptoms of rupture include sudden onset of severe back or abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness, or fainting.
If you or a loved one is at risk of AAA or is showing symptoms, don't wait until it's too late to get help. Contact us today for a consultation so we can restore you to your healthy self again.
Top-Notch Treatment to Get You Back on Your Feet
While most AAA's are diagnosed incidentally, there are ways to treat it. The size of the aneurysm determines when we treat it. If the aneurysm must be fixed by the traditional open approach, I will repair it when the size is greater than 5 cm. However, if I can perform the repair by minimally invasive technique, then I will fix it at 4.0 cm.
Traditional Repair
Traditional repair or open repair procedures involves opening up the abdomen, dissecting out of the aorta above and below the aneurysm, followed by creating a bypass through the aneurysm utilizing a synthetic graft. Postoperatively, the patient will be admitted to the ICU typically for 3 days followed by transfer to the surgical floor for another 4 days. After discharge. After discharge, it takes an average of at least 6 weeks for complete recovery.
With Endovascular Repair
Before Endovascular Stenting
Endovascular repair may be considered in patients with appropriate anatomy. It is performed through two small groin incisions and typically requires only a two-day stay in the hospital. The recovery is very quick and most patients are back to performing routine activities within two weeks.
After Endovascular Stenting
The endovascular stent will essentially create a bypass from within the aneurysm and depressurize the aneurysm sac to prevent the growth of the aneurysm and subsequent rupture.
In order to protect yourself from an abdominal aortic aneurysm, know the risks and symptoms. If you are suffering from AAA, turn to Dr. Patrick M. Tamim for the care you deserve.
You'll always be treated like family whenever you enter our offices.
This new patient paperwork is to be filled out and returned to our office via fax, mail, or email prior to your appointment. Thank you.
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Patrick M. Tamim M.D.
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