AneurysmAn aneurysm is a swelling in a blood vessel. Aneurysms can occur in any part of the body, but this page will concentrate on those that occur in the abdominal aorta. The aorta is the largest artery in the body and therefore aneurysms that occur here are very important and often dangerous. If you have been diagnosed as having an aortic aneurysm, it must be followed with imaging tests for the rest of your life. If the aneurysm reaches a certain size or if you have certain symptoms, you may need treatment. In the past the only treatment available was major abdominal surgery. Recent advances in minimally invasive techniques have resulted in a second option becoming available - Aortic Stent GraftThe Medical University of South Carolina was the first hospital in South Carolina to offer this alternative treatment to open surgery. This procedure is performed by a multidisciplinary team of Interventional Radiologists and Vascular Surgeons. Placing an aortic stent graft requires operators with extensive experience with vascular anatomy, angiography, conventional treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms, and a thorough knowledge of the disease. In addition, experience with many other types of minimally invasive vascular interventions is needed. The team at MUSC utilizes the combined experience of four attending Interventional Radiologists and three attending Vascular Surgeons. What is Involved for the Patient?If you have an abdominal aortic aneurysm and are a candidate for minimally invasive treatment, you will come in the day of your procedure. After a typical pre-op work-up you will be brought to the Interventional y suite where the procedure will be performed. The Anesthesiologist will administer either a general or a regional anesthetic. Once you are under anesthesia, your skin will be prepped with an antiseptic soap. An incision will then be made in each groin by the vascular surgeons. The interventional radiologists will then puncture each artery and place the aortic stent graft within the aneurysm. Once this process is complete, the vascular surgeons will close the small incision in each groin. You will need to stay in the hospital for a day or two before going home. If the procedure cannot be completed using the minimally invasive technique, you will undergo the conventional open surgery. Want More Information?If you are interested for yourself, a family member, or a friend, call: RN Patient Care Coordinator, Marlene O’Leary
Phone: (843) 792-8406 FAX: (843) 792-9068 e-mail: olearym@musc.edu Research Coordinator, Genny Starr
Phone: (843) 792-5968 FAX: (843) 792-9276
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