Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm - …（腹主动脉瘤,u2026）.pdfVIP

Chattanooga Heart, Lung and Vascular Center Telephone : (423) 693-2400 1032 McCallie Avenue Facsimile: (423) 693-2499 Chattanooga, TN 37403-2815 CardiacAndV FACTS ABOUT ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM What is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)? An aneurysm is a widening or ballooning of an artery, usually due to a weak area in the wall of the artery. Aneurysms can be caused by trauma to the artery wall, certain diseases and infections, or a congenital (present at birth) defect. The most common cause of abdominal aortic aneurysm is weakening of the wall due to atherosclerosis. New research suggests there is a genetic predisposition to this disease. An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an aneurysm in the abdominal portion of the aorta, the largest blood vessel in the body. The aorta leads from the heart through the chest and diaphragm to the lower abdomen. It then divides, forming the major arteries to the legs. Through its branch blood vessels, the aorta supplies blood to the entire body. In an AAA, the aorta slowly and progressively widens (dilates) and may balloon to four or five times its normal size. As it dilates, the aortic wall thins out and becomes weakened. Aneurysms can clot, dissect (a small tear in the lining of the artery) or rupture (breaking open of the AAA causing profuse bleeding). If an AAA ruptures, the only chance of saving the patient is immediate emergency surgery to replace the ruptured aorta with synthetic material. The illustration below shows an AAA repaired with a synthetic stent-graft. facts abdominal aortic aneurysm 6/22/09 What causes AAA? All arteries are made up of three layers - the intima (inner wall), the media (middle wall) an