Health & Disease Info
All You Wanted to Know About ... Aneurysms

What is an Aneurysm?
An aneurysm is the dilation of an artery. As the artery balloons out, the aneurysm shell becomes filled with old blood clot, "hardening of the arteries" debris (atheroma), and calcium. Aneurysms can occur in several areas, such as the abdominal aorta, iliac arteries, femoral (groin) and popliteal (behind the knees) arteries. Rupture occurs more commonly in the aortic and iliac aneurysm, while embolization occurs most commonly in femoral and popliteal aneurysms. The larger the aneurysm, the more frequently complications are seen.

What Kinds of Aneurysms Exist?
Popliteal aneurysms occur mostly behind the knee, but may be above or below the knee also. Generally, once popliteal aneurysms get larger than 1.5 to 2 cm. in size they need to be replaced. Depending on its position, either a segment of artificial graft (GoreTex or Dacron) or a segment of your own vein (if it crosses the knee joint) is used.

Femoral aneurysms are usually the easiest aneurysm to fix. They occur in the groin area. This aneurysm is usually replaced with an artificial graft (GoreTex or Dacron). There is just one incision in the groin.

Aortic and iliac aneurysms can be discussed together because the repair requires the same type of operation. Iliac aneurysms don't usually occur without an aortic aneurysm, but aortic aneurysms often are localized only to the aortic segment. The most common procedure to repair an aortic or iliac aneurysm involves replacing the aneurysm with an artificial graft (usually Dacron, but possibly GoreTex) either in a straight tube or an inverted Y configuration depending on the extent of the aneurysm. This may be done using either an open technique or placing the graft inside the aneurysm and holding it in place with stents depending on the shape and position of it.

What Tests Will Have to be Done?
Depending on where an aneurysm is, several tests are available to choose from to evaluate it. Ultrasound imaging is the most frequently used test to evaluation an aneurysm. Ultrasound is basically "sonar" or sound waves like the submarines use. A gooey jelly is placed on the skin to conduct the sound waves into your body. A probe will then be positioned to see the aneurysm ad measure its size and the amount of debris present inside of it.