Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Overview

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Enlarge

Mayo Clinic physicians and surgeons are internationally known for their expertise in diagnosing and treating abdominal aortic aneurysm. Mayo physicians work with vascular surgeons to provide the most effective treatment for each patient with abdominal aortic aneurysm. Mayo physicians coordinate with vascular and endovascular surgeons and diagnostic and interventional radiologists to rapidly evaluate and treat abdominal aortic aneurysm patients using state-of-the-art technologies.

Mayo Clinic is among the highest-volume centers in treating this condition. Continuing research in abdominal aortic aneurysms allows physicians and surgeons at Mayo Clinic to use the most current diagnostic tools and provide cutting-edge treatment to patients. Researchers at Mayo helped develop endovascular surgery, a minimally invasive procedure to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Diagnosis

At Mayo Clinic, physicians have extensive expertise in accurately diagnosing abdominal aortic aneurysms. They diagnose and treat hundreds of patients each year. Often, abdominal aortic aneurysms are detected during routine medical tests or physical examinations. Mayo Clinic offers the most current, accurate testing and technology available to diagnose abdominal aortic aneurysms. Learn more about abdominal aortic aneurysm diagnosis.

Treatment

Mayo Clinic offers the most advanced treatments available for abdominal aortic aneurysms. Each Mayo Clinic location has a dedicated vascular center staffed by an integrated team of medical specialists who treat all vascular conditions. Treatment depends upon the severity of the patient's condition. Treatment options available at Mayo Clinic include minimally invasive endovascular surgery, open abdominal surgery, medications or monitoring. Learn more about abdominal aortic aneurysm treatment.

• Treatment in Arizona
• Treatment in Florida
• Treatment in Minnesota

About Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

An aortic aneurysm is a weakened and abnormal bulging section of the aorta. The aorta is the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the vital organs in the body. The aorta begins in the heart and continues through the center of the chest and the abdomen, eventually splitting into two smaller arteries providing blood to the pelvis and legs.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms occur along the aorta in the section that passes through the abdomen. Abdominal aortic aneurysms are the most common type of aortic aneurysm, occurring in more than 75 percent of aortic aneurysms. Most small abdominal aortic aneurysms will not rupture. However, a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm causes internal bleeding and may be life-threatening, requiring emergency surgery. Treatment depends on the size and growth rate of the aneurysm and may include surgery, medications or monitoring.

Learn more about abdominal aortic aneurysms and other types of aortic aneurysms at MayoClinic.com.