What is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)?

An Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is an aneurysm a bulge or swelling in a blood vessel. Your doctor has determined that a portion of the aorta passing through your abdomen - the area between your legs and your chest - has developed a blood clot. In most cases these clots are caused by fatty deposits that build up inside the arteries.

Aneurysms are dangerous because the blood clot weakens the blood vessel and can cause it to burst. The surgery your doctor has recommended will remove the blood clot and reinforce the weakened wall of the aorta.

This type of bulge occurs when a blood clot or blood clots develop in the aorta, causing to expand. In your case, your doctor has determined that a portion of the aorta passing through your abdomen - the area between your legs and your chest - has developed a blood clot. In most cases these clots are caused by fatty deposits that build up inside the arteries.

Aneurysms are dangerous because the blood clot weakens the blood vessel and can cause it to burst. The surgery your doctor has recommended will remove the blood clot and reinforce the weakened wall of the aorta.

After you are unconscious, your doctor will make a vertical incision down the center of your abdomen. Skin and other tissue will be pulled back in order to expose the abdominal muscles. Your doctor will carefully divide the muscle in order to expose the abdominal cavity.

A special instrument called a retractor will be used to hold the chest open. Once your doctor has a clear view of the abdomen he or she will gently pull the intestines up and out of the way revealing the aorta and the aneurysm.

Now your doctor can begin to remove the clot. First, he or she will apply clamps to each of the two arteries that branch away from the main artery - temporarily preventing blood from flowing to your legs. Next, your doctor will clamp the artery above the aneurysm.

Once the blood supply has been shut off in this manner, your doctor will make a vertical incision in the artery wall and two small horizontal incisions to allow access to the damaged area. The blood clot can then be removed.

The surgical team will sew together any damaged blood vessels inside the aorta. A tube made of a sterile synthetic material can now be inserted into the vessel to provide support and reinforcement. It is then sewn into place.

One by one your doctor will remove the clamps, restoring blood flow to the legs. After verifying there are no leaks around the surgical field, the team will finally close the vessel with sutures. Your doctor will restore all internal organs to their proper positions. The muscles and other tissue can then be closed with sutures. Finally, the skin is closed with staples and a sterile dressing is applied.

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG off-pump)

I really want to express my gratitude towards u ..........for helping.....i too want to become a cardiologist

Shankar Boddu

Heart Stent Implant Angioplasty

DOES PROCEDURE HURT HOW LONG TO GO BACK TO WORK DO YOU FEEL THEM IN YOUR HEART CAN THEY BREAK FROM MOVEMENT MY DR SAID TO CHANGE MY DIET OR IT COULD HAPPEN WILL CHANGING DIET WEEKS BEFORE AN ATTACK PREVENT ONE THANK YOU LARGE PRINT FOR EASY READING

David Berquist

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG off-pump)

I know this is a comment section however, my dad started off knowing and finding out that he had a blockage in his abdomen leading to his groin and one behind his knee on the same side. He had tests ran and now it is leading to blockage in his heart. He is recommended to have bypass surgery in his heart. Will this elimenate the other blockages? If someone has been in this similar situation please comment.

Kayla Self

This video is intended as a tool to help you to better understand the procedure that you are scheduled to have or are considering. It is not intended to replace any discussion, decision making or advice of your physician.