Q
: 1
10/20/2009 |
My mother is 87 years old, and we just found out she has an aortic aneuysm. We know she cannot have surgery, but I am wondering what other treatment may be available for her?
First, I would recommend she see a vascular surgeon who performs both the open repair and endograft repair to help make a plan. If the plan is to observe to see if it grows or to do no treatment, general recommendations include avoiding heavy lifting or straining, and to be sure blood pressure is being carefully controlled.
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Q
: 2
09/29/2009 |
My father's abdominal aortic aneurysm is 4.5 cm. If his blood pressure rises, can it rupture at any time?
As a general rule, most of the time, small aneurysms are followed over time as the risk of rupture is relatively small. We commonly instruct patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms that are being observed to avoid heavy lifting and straining, and to work with their primary care provider to keep blood pressure under proper control.
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Q
: 3
08/04/2009 |
What are the options for medical treatment for an abdominal aneurysm?
Patients who's aneurysms are being followed (i.e not repaired) are generally instructed to avoid heavy lifting, avoid smoking, and work closely with their primary care provider to keep their blood pressure under good control. There are trials in progress to evaluate if certain medications can slow the rate of aneurysm growth, but those have not yet concluded.
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Q
: 4
06/04/2009 |
What is a carotid study that is done in a Vascular Lab?
It is a type of ultrasound study (no needles or x-rays) that views the arteries in the neck and can tell how fast the blood is flowing though them. Like putting your thumb over part of a garden hose, the more the artery is partially blocked, the faster the blood flows through that point. This helps us tell how much blockage is present and helps determine who should get treatment.
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Q
: 5
04/05/2009 |
I can see my carotid artery pulsating constantly. What does it mean? I have been scheduled for a CT scan.
Seeing that your carotid artery is pulsating constantly doesn't necessarily mean that there is something wrong. However, the CT scan should be very helpful in determining whether or not there is something that is causing this problem.
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Q
: 6
03/19/2009 |
Will elevation of an extremity sufffering from arterial insufficiency relieve the ischemic pain?
If the foot pain is from ischemia, elevation can worsen the pain. If this is occurring you should see a vascular surgeon for an evaluation.
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Q
: 7
02/03/2009 |
I had an aortic aneurysms of the spleen when i was 28 it was removed and i would like to know if i should have a test done to see if i have any chance that another organ could also have aneurysms.
That would be reasoanble. Talk to your Vascular surgeon about options. If your kidney function is good, he/she may recommend a CT scan with and without contrast to view the arteries.
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Q
: 8
01/19/2009 |
I've experienced venous insuffiency for about twelve years. I find it difficult to where support stockings since they tend to slip down my legs and gather at my ankles and it's painful. DO you have any suggetions? Also, my skin on my legs between my knee & ankle is breaking down, who should I see about this? A dermatologist?
It might be helpful to see a vascular surgeon to be sure there are no other issues. I typically tell patients to be sure the stockings they have are presciption stockings. The leg should be measured when the perscription is filled. You want the leg to be at its thinnest at the time of the measurement so the stocking will fit snugly. The patient should wrap the leg with an ace wrap from the foot to the knee before getting out of bed to keep the leg thin when going to get measured. Once you have the stocking, shower at night (stocking off), apply a water based moisturizer to prevent the dry cracking of the skin. (Can use Aquaphore or Eucerin) no need to wear the stocking at night, but put them on first thing in the morning before even getting out of bed and take them off in the evening. Hope this helps
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Q
: 9
01/04/2009 |
Could I find out what abdominal aorta calcifications are, what causes it, treatment options, and what type of symptoms it can cause?
Calcifications in any artery, including the aorta, may not require treatment. Your doctor could check to see that you don't have an aneurysm or a blockage however, either of which might require treatment.
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Q
: 10
12/22/2008 |
My husband had Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm surgery in 2003. The graft has slipped and has to be repaired. Does this happen to others and what is the treament for this?
Yes, migration is one of the risks of endograft repair.
Often it can be fixed with another endograft.
Sometimes open surgery is required.
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Q
: 11
04/22/2008 |
My dad died of an aortic aneurysm at age 59. I am 45 with no history of heart disease. Should I be concerned with the possibility of an aortic aneurysm?
The findings you are describing are not typical for AAA. As someone who had a close relative with an aortic aneurysm however, it would be reasonable for you to be screened at some point, around age 50, or sooner, if you are are particularly anxious about it. You should also be screened sometime thereafter, as your doctor deems appropriate.
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Q
: 12
01/28/2008 |
My mother and her brother both had an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Her other brother had a thoracic aortic aneurysm. Several years ago I had an MRI with contrast to make sure I did not have an abdominal aneurysm. Recently I have been having balloon sensations and spasms in the middle of my chest in addition to a mild loss of voice and trouble swallowing. I have had all of the GI tests and heart stress tests which were negative. When I asked my doctor to check me for a thoracic aneurysm he didn't think it was necessary. What should I do or insist him to do to make sure? Thank you.
You have a strong family history of aneurysms and I think your request is reasonable. Perhaps your doctor may allow a second opinion, or consultation with a vascular surgeon for his/her opinion.
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Q
: 13
10/21/2007 |
What kind of doctor would I see for an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
A vascular surgeon.
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Q
: 14
10/09/2007 |
Is there any advice re flying if you have an aortic aneurysm which measures 6.2. Initially my father was told not to fly and cancel his holiday but after they decided it was too risky to operate he has been told he can fly. This seems conflicting advice. Is there an increased risk of rupture if you fly with this condition? Can you advise please?
I would recommend getting a second opinion regarding his operative risk from a vascular surgeon who performs both open and endovascular repair.
It is not clear to me that flying would increase his risk of rupture, but I would agree, that if he is planning on having it fixed, he should probably delay holiday until after. If he is absolutley not going to have it repaired, why not enjoy his holiday?
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Q
: 15
10/05/2007 |
Do all aortic aneurysms grow? My mother had one rupture at age 48 - I am 47 and have one. Are yearly CT's the only method of follow up?
Most grow gradually over time.
Small aneurysms can often be followed, in a manner chosen by your physician/surgeon.
If the aneurysm is in the belly, it can usually be followed by either CT scans or Ultrasound or MRI.
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