Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care

Aneurysm management involves conservative treatment for small, asymptomatic aneurysms, typically under 5.5 centimeters in diameter.

It includes risk factor modification, such as tobacco cessation, managing conditions like hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes, and gradually increasing physical activity.

Aneurysm size is regularly monitored using ultrasound or CT scans.

Small aneurysms measuring 4.0-5.4 centimeters in diameter are monitored every 6-12 months, while abdominal aortic aneurysms smaller than 4.0 centimeters are monitored every 2-3 years.

For asymptomatic aneurysms greater than 5.5 centimeters, a surgical procedure known as open aneurysm repair is recommended.

It involves an abdominal incision, removal of thrombus or plaque from the diseased aortic segment, and suturing of a synthetic graft to the proximal and distal ends of the aneurysm.

The native aortic wall is then sutured around the graft.

Another procedure, endovascular aneurysm repair, involves placing a sutureless aortic graft inside the abdominal aortic aneurysm using a femoral artery catheter inserted through the femoral artery.