Aneurysms may not be a threat when they’re small, but most abdominal aortic aneurysms gradually enlarge and can rupture, making them the 10th-leading cause of death among American men older than 55. You can receive expert aneurysm screening and treatment at Nelson Menezes Vascular Specialist PC located in Brooklyn Heights and Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Dr. Menezes has more than 25 years of experience and is recognized for his personal care of patients with aneurysms. To schedule an appointment, use the online booking feature or call your nearest New York City office today.
An aneurysm develops in blood vessels when a weak area in the vessel wall bulges or balloons out. While aneurysms can occur anywhere in your body, the three most common types are:
Of the three types, abdominal aortic aneurysms have the highest prevalence. They affect 4-8% of adults, primarily men over the age of 60.
The aorta is a large artery that runs from your heart,through your chest, and down through the center of your abdomen. Abdominal aortic aneurysms are small at first, then typically enlarge over the years. However, some aneurysms suddenly enlarge, while others remain small.
Aneurysms aren’t a threat to your health when they’re small. When they get too large, however, they can rupture, causing massive internal bleeding that often results in death.
Most aneurysms don’t cause symptoms, but if symptoms do appear, you feel pain in your lower back, abdomen, or sides. A ruptured aneurysm causes sudden, severe pain, and signs of shock such as dizziness, confusion, rapid breathing, and a weak pulse.
Dr. Menezes may recommend an initial screening if you have a family history of aneurysms or you’re between the ages of 65-75 and you’ve smoked at any time. After assessing these and other risk factors associated with your overall health, Dr. Menezes can determine if you should have routine screenings.
If your aneurysm is small, Dr. Menezes may recommend medical monitoring. You’ll schedule regular appointments so he can use ultrasound to monitor the aneurysm’s size and rate of growth, constantly evaluating when you may need surgery to repair the aneurysm.
An abdominal aortic aneurysm that’s large or quickly enlarging requires immediate surgical intervention. Dr. Menezes performs two types of procedures to repair an aneurysm:
This is a minimally invasive procedure in which Dr. Menezes guides a small catheter through an artery in your groin to the aortic aneurysm. When the catheter is in place, he implants a stent graft into the artery. After your repair, blood flows through the stent graft without accumulating in the aneurysm.
Open surgery is performed when Dr. Menezes needs to replace the weak section of the aorta with a synthetic tube.
To receive screening or treatment for an aneurysm, call Nelson Menezes Vascular Specialist PC or book an appointment online.
