Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care

Conservative treatment is recommended for small, asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms measuring less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter. This approach focuses on modifying risk factors such as tobacco cessation, managing hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes, and gradually increasing physical activity to prevent aneurysm growth and rupture.

Aneurysm monitoring frequency depends on size. Small aneurysms measuring 4.0 to 5.4 centimeters require ultrasound or CT scans every 6 to 12 months. Aneurysms smaller than 4.0 centimeters are monitored every 2 to 3 years. This surveillance helps detect expansion early, allowing timely intervention when necessary.

Open aneurysm repair involves a large abdominal incision where the surgeon removes thrombus or plaque and sutures a synthetic graft to the proximal and distal ends. Endovascular aneurysm repair is less invasive, placing a sutureless aortic graft inside the aneurysm via a femoral artery catheter, avoiding major abdominal surgery.

Surgical repair is advised for asymptomatic aneurysms measuring 5.5 centimeters or larger. At this size threshold, the rupture risk increases significantly, making intervention necessary. The choice between open aneurysm repair and endovascular repair depends on patient factors and anatomical considerations.

Endoleak is the most common complication following abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, involving blood seeping back into the old aneurysm sac. It results from inadequate seal at graft ends, graft fabric tears, or leaks between overlapping segments. This complication can lead to continued aneurysm growth and potential rupture.

Additional complications include aneurysm growth above or below the graft, aortic dissection, bleeding, aneurysm rupture, renal artery occlusion from stent migration, incisional hematoma, infection at the incision site, and graft thrombosis. Angiography is performed after repair to check for leaks and ensure graft patency.

Iliac artery aneurysm repair uses a bifurcated graft that replaces the entire affected segment. For saccular aneurysms, only the bulbous lesion is excised, and the artery is repaired using primary closure by suturing or applying an autogenous or synthetic patch graft. Both approaches aim to restore normal blood flow.