Aneurysms are dilations or abnormal growths of specific areas of arteries. Most commonly this involves the abdominal aorta, but can involve any artery. Aneurysms have been described "U-boats" - silent, but deadly. Depending on the location, the size and the rate of growth these may need treatment. Options for therapy include open surgical repair as well as minimally invasive techniques such as stent grafts.

An Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm or AAA occurs in approximately 5% of the US population, or 1 million people! Ruptures of aneurysms cause approximately 15,000 - 20,000 deaths and are the 10th leading cause of deaths in men over 55 annually. Today there are new diagnostic and treatment options available for selected patients resulting in much quicker recoveries and fewer complications.

An aneurysm is caused by atherosclerosis (sometimes called "hardening of the  arteries" causing the arterial wall to weaken and bulge - similar to an old radiator hose. Most people have no symptoms, however, some may experience vague abdominal or back pain or wounds on their feet. A physician may make the diagnosis by palpating a throbbing mass in the abdomen, which can be confirmed by CT or CAT scan or ultrasound. Risk Factors include increasing age, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diet, tobacco use, and family history.

The traditional method has been via a large incision on the abdomen and groins, an intensive care unit stay followed by 7-10 days of hospitalization. Recovery takes several weeks. The newer method is called an endograft repair and is performed through small incisions in the groins. X-ray guidance is used to place a woven polyester tube covered by a metal web into the aneurysm to prevent rupture or prevent plaque from breaking off and traveling downstream. The procedure usually takes 2-3 hours to perform and patients are typically eating and walking right after the procedure. Most patients go home in 1-2 days. Recovery is much less prolonged than with the traditional open procedure.