Rockland Thoracic & Vascular Associates

Thoracic Surgery & Vascular Surgery located in Pomona, NY & Goshen, NY

An abnormal bulge in your aortic artery is referred to as an aortic aneurysm. Though screenings are recommended for those 65-75 years old, aortic aneurysms are often found incidentally during other routine exams. At Rockland Thoracic & Vascular Associates, the experienced vascular surgical team offers a minimally invasive procedure for aortic aneurysms that protects your artery and prevents complications. The practice has offices in Washington Heights, Manhattan, in New York City; Pomona, Goshen, and Fishkill, New York; and Englewood, New Jersey. For an appointment, call the office nearest you or request an appointment online.

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Aortic Aneurysm Q & A

What are aortic aneurysms?

Aortic aneurysms are abnormal bulges in the walls of your aortic artery, the blood vessel that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body. This bulging can happen in any part of the artery and be tube-shaped or round.

Your aortic aneurysm can cause the walls of your blood vessels to split (dissect), which leads to bleeding in between the separated muscle. Your aortic aneurysm can also rupture, leading to internal bleeding. Aortic aneurysm dissection or rupture are serious health complications that can lead to death.

You could be at risk of developing an aortic aneurysm if you smoke, have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, or a history of atherosclerosis.

What are the types of aortic aneurysms?

Aortic aneurysms are classified by types based on where they show up in the blood vessel. The types include:

Thoracic aortic aneurysm

A thoracic aortic aneurysm develops in the chest. You could develop a thoracic aortic aneurysm if you have high blood pressure. An injury can also lead to this type of aortic aneurysm.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm

Abdominal aortic aneurysms develop below the chest and are more common than thoracic aortic aneurysms. You could be at greater risk of developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm if you have a history of atherosclerosis.

How are aortic aneurysms treated?

Treatment for aortic aneurysms include medications and/or surgery. The surgeons at Rockland Thoracic & Vascular Associates take a multidisciplinary approach to treating aortic aneurysms, working with cardiac anesthesiologists, medical consultants, and well-trained surgical nursing staff to ensure you get the best care possible.

The surgical experts use a minimally invasive procedure for treating aortic aneurysms called the aortic aneurysm endovascular repair program. During the procedure, your surgeon inserts a stent graft through the femoral vein in your groin that repairs the aneurysm.

The team requires an overnight stay in the hospital following the procedure and changes in your activity for 1-2 weeks afterward.

The team does this procedure almost weekly and has significant experience treating even the most complex cases.

To schedule an appointment with the team at Rockland Thoracic & Vascular Associates to discuss surgical options for your aortic aneurysm, call the office or book online today.