Aneurysm

Diagnose

Aneurysms may occur without signs and symptoms, and there are cases the aneurysm was discovered by the specialist when conducting assessment or by other procedures.

A specialist will conduct imaging test if the patient have any symptoms that could point to an aneurysm. The following procedures or test may help the specialist detect and diagnose an aneurysm:

• Computed tomography (CT) scan: which is painless as it uses X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the body structures as well as clear images of the vessel. This helps to determine the size and shape of an aneurysm. While the doctor is performing a CT scan, the doctor will ask you to lie on a table which slides into the scanning machine. The doctor might also inject contrast material into a vein to make your blood vessels show up more clearly on the images.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) angiogram: a diagnostic technique called an angiography uses imaging to demonstrate how blood flows through your heart or blood vessels. A contrast is then injected to help visualize the blood flow and show the location of the blockage.
• Ultrasound: by using sound waves to create real time images of the internal organ, including the vessel. A technician will perform an ultrasound by putting a slight pressure on an ultrasound probe (transducer) on the area of the body.

Treatment

Aneurysms are treated to prevent aneurysms from rupturing through medication and surgery. The doctor will select the treatment based on the aneurysm’s size and progression of the disease.

Medication

Medication helps reducing blood pressure, enhancing blood flow, and managing cholesterol levels, all of which could decrease the growth of aneurysms and reduce pressure on the arterial wall.

Surgery

• Open surgery: An incision is made to conduct the graft or remove the aneurysm.
• Endovascular aneurysm repair: A catheter (thin tube) is inserted into the vessel during endovascular surgery. The surgeon places a graft (a piece of specialized tubing) into the catheter to strengthen or repair the artery.
  • Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR): is a procedure to treat an aneurysm in the chest area.
  • Fenestrated endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (FEVAR): is a procedure to treat a complex aortic aneurysm.
• Endovascular coiling: Is a procedure used for aneurysm occurring in the brain. The surgeon will inserts several coils by using a platinum wire spiral to block the blood flow into an aneurysm and will reduce risk of rupture aneurysm.
• Microvascular clipping: Is a procedure that cut off blood flow to the brain aneurysm by using a metal clip. Microvascular clipping will prevent aneurysm from rupturing.
• Catheter embolization: Through this surgery, the aneurysm’s blood supply is shut off. In order to administer medication or embolic agents that stop bleeding, the surgeon inserts a catheter into the injured artery.