An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of the major artery from the heart, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel.
There are two main types of aortic aneurysms.
- Abdominal aortic aneurysms occur in the section of the aorta in the abdomen.
- Thoracic aortic aneurysms occur in the upper aorta, or the chest.
Most aneurysms are either congenital or acquired. While it's not clear exactly what causes it, defects in some of the components of the artery wall may be responsible and in certain cases like abdominal aortic aneurysms. High blood pressure and the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries (atherosclerotic disease) are thought to be contributing factors.
Physical exam, ultrasound examination, and CT scan are used to evaluate aneurysms.
Repair (surgery)
Aortic aneurysm repair, or surgery, is generally recommended; however, treatment options differ depending on the type. Abdominal aortic surgery is one option where an abdominal incision is made, and the surgeon replaces the diseased section of the aorta with a piece of synthetic tubing.
Stent-graft repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms is now available at MedStar Health to patients who are too sick to undergo major surgery and were previously untreatable. This minimally invasive procedure uses a stent-graft device — a cloth-covered metal frame — which is expanded within the aorta to alleviate pressure in the aneurysm sac and strengthen the artery wall.
The procedure is performed through two small incisions in the groin area, rather than large incisions in the chest or abdomen, and uses local anesthesia. This procedure generally requires a one-night hospital stay, compared to 7 to 14 days for major surgery, and has high success rates and less recovery time.
MedStar Health's expertise with stent-graft repair of abdominal aortic and thoracic aortic aneurysms is unparalleled in the Mid-Atlantic region. We are one of the few FDA-designated research sites in the country, with high volumes of minimally invasive procedures like these. So, you can take comfort in our experience and expertise.
Our providers
Location: Change location Enter your location
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Moutasem Aljundi, MD
Vascular And Interventional Radiology & Interventional Radiology
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Jason Ryan Crowner, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Erin M. Hanlon, MPAS PA
Vascular Surgery
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Arshad Ahmed Khan, MBBS MD
Vascular And Interventional Radiology, Neuroradiology, Diagnostic Radiology, Interventional and Diagnostic Radiology & Interventional Radiology
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Dureaden Khan, MS PA
Cardiac Surgery
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Misaki Mikki Kiguchi, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Amy A Magyar, CNP MSN
Interventional Radiology
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Krystal C. Maloni, MD
Vascular Surgery & General Surgery
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Melissa Kanji Meghpara, DO
Vascular Surgery
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Daniel Martin Schwegler, PA
Vascular Surgery
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Amanda Lynn Simonton, MSPA PA
Vascular Surgery
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D'Andre Beth Williams, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Shan-E-Ali Haider, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Richard A. Silva, MD
General Surgery & Vascular Surgery
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Jeffrey Ye-Chang Wang, MD
General Surgery & Vascular Surgery
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Dustin Yung Yoon, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Our locations
Distance from Change locationEnter your location
MedStar Health Vascular Surgery at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital
3300 North Calvert Street First Floor Baltimore, MD 21218
410-261-8226
MedStar Health Vascular Surgery at MedStar Washington Hospital Center
106 Irving Street NW Physician Office Bldg. Suite 3150 North Tower Washington, DC 20010
202-877-0456
MedStar Health Vascular Surgery at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
9101 Franklin Square Dr. MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center Suite 212 Baltimore, MD 21237
443-777-1901
MedStar Health Vascular Surgery at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
3800 Reservoir Road Northwest Pasquerilla Healthcare Center Building 4 Washington, DC 20007
877-367-2434
MedStar Health Vascular Surgery at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center
18101 Prince Philip Drive Suite 5200 Olney, MD 20832
410-657-1947
MedStar Health Vascular Surgery at MedStar St. Mary's Hospital
25500 Point Lookout Road Ste 200 Leonardtown, MD 20650
240-434-4022
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.