An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of the aorta, the body’s largest artery, which carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. If the aortic wall weakens, the pressure of blood flow can cause the wall of the artery to bulge outward.
What are the types of aortic aneurysm?
We label aortic aneurysms based on where in the body they appear:
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An abdominal aortic aneurysm forms in the abdomen, or belly.
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A thoracic aortic aneurysm forms in the thorax, or chest. This can include aneurysms of the aortic root, ascending aorta, and aortic arch.
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A thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm forms between the chest and belly.
We bring heart and vascular surgeons together in our Complex Aortic Center to care for patients with these complex conditions.
What are the risk factors for aortic aneurysms?
An aneurysm can form in the aorta for many reasons. The biggest risk factor is smoking, which also increases the risk that the aneurysm will burst.
Other risk factors for developing an aortic aneurysm include:
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Certain birth defects
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Major injuries to the chest, such as from car accidents
Tests
Abdominal Duplex Ultrasound
Abdominal duplex ultrasound is a combination of a traditional and Doppler ultrasound that assesses the blood vessels in your abdomen for blockages or aneurysms.
Cardiac Catheterization
Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive way to diagnose and treat a variety of heart and vascular conditions by guiding thin, flexible tubes called catheters through blood vessels to problem areas.
Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan
The cardiac computed tomography scan, or cardiac CT, uses X-rays to create three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your heart.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging, better known as cardiac MRI, is a combination of radio waves, magnets, and computer technology to create images of your heart and blood vessels
Treatments
Careful monitoring, medication, and other approaches may be enough to treat an aortic aneurysm without surgery. For more complex cases, we offer individualized treatment plans.
Aneurysm Surgery
Aneurysm surgery is used to repair bulges in blood vessels after they have ruptured or to prevent them from rupturing. Surgery may take several approaches: traditional open surgery, a minimally invasive endovascular method or a hybrid of the two.
Fenestrated Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Fenestrated aortic aneurysm repair is a procedure using custom stents to treat aneurysms that affect multiple branches of the aorta.
Our providers
Location: Change location Enter your location
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Julia Young Ahn, DO
Diagnostic Radiology
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Ashlee Victoria Elms, PA
Cardiac Surgery
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Felicia Claudette Elvis, PA
Cardiology
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Lauren Michaela Jewett, MMS PA
Critical Care Medicine
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Michael Benjamin Lee, MD
Interventional Cardiology & Cardiology
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Stephen Kendall Lee, AGACNP MSN
Critical Care Medicine
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Christine Theresa Owen, MSN NP
Vascular Surgery & Interventional Radiology
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Mark O'Brien Peeler, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Margaret Ramkissoon, CRNP
Cardiology
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Virginia E. Seay, CRNP FNPBC
Cardiology & Cardiac Electrophysiology
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Christine Smith, CRNP
Cardiology
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Brooke Thornton, MMS PA
Critical Care Medicine
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John Chung-Yee Wang, MD
Cardiology, Valvular Disease Cardiology & Interventional Cardiology
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Jessica Lynn Waters, MD MSPH
Emergency Medicine & Critical Care Medicine
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Shannon E Watts, PA-C
Cardiovascular Disease
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Sajid Hussain Shah, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Additional information
Complex Aortic Center
Partner with a recognized leader in offering care and disease management for the most complex aortic disorders.
Insurance
MedStar Health accepts most major health insurance plans. If you are uncertain as to whether your individual health insurance plan is accepted at MedStar Health, please call your insurance company.