Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Treatment | MedStar Health

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Dr. Christian Shults, cardiac surgeon, performs abdominal aortic surgery which is one treatment option for aortic aneurysm repair.

An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of the major artery from the heart, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel.

There are two main types of aortic aneurysms.

  • Abdominal aortic aneurysms occur in the section of the aorta in the abdomen.
  • Thoracic aortic aneurysms occur in the upper aorta, or the chest.

Most aneurysms are either congenital or acquired. While it's not clear exactly what causes it, defects in some of the components of the artery wall may be responsible and in certain cases like abdominal aortic aneurysms. High blood pressure and the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries (atherosclerotic disease) are thought to be contributing factors.

Physical exam, ultrasound examination, and CT scan are used to evaluate aneurysms.

Repair (surgery)

Aortic aneurysm repair, or surgery, is generally recommended; however, treatment options differ depending on the type. Abdominal aortic surgery is one option where an abdominal incision is made, and the surgeon replaces the diseased section of the aorta with a piece of synthetic tubing.

Stent-graft repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms is now available at MedStar Health to patients who are too sick to undergo major surgery and were previously untreatable. This minimally invasive procedure uses a stent-graft device — a cloth-covered metal frame — which is expanded within the aorta to alleviate pressure in the aneurysm sac and strengthen the artery wall.

The procedure is performed through two small incisions in the groin area, rather than large incisions in the chest or abdomen, and uses local anesthesia. This procedure generally requires a one-night hospital stay, compared to 7 to 14 days for major surgery, and has high success rates and less recovery time.

MedStar Health's expertise with stent-graft repair of abdominal aortic and thoracic aortic aneurysms is unparalleled in the Mid-Atlantic region. We are one of the few FDA-designated research sites in the country, with high volumes of minimally invasive procedures like these. So, you can take comfort in our experience and expertise.

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MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital - Calvert Street Building

3300 North Calvert Street
First Floor
Baltimore, MD 21218

410-261-8226

MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar Washington Hospital Center - Physician Office Building

106 Irving Street NW
Physician Office Bldg.
Suite 3150 North Tower
Washington, DC 20010

202-877-0456

MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center

9101 Franklin Square Dr.
MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
Suite 212
Baltimore, MD 21237

443-777-1901

MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

3800 Reservoir Road Northwest
Pasquerilla Healthcare Center
Building 4
Washington, DC 20007

877-367-2434

MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center

18101 Prince Philip Drive
Suite 5200
Olney, MD 20832

410-657-1947

MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar St. Mary's Hospital

25500 Point Lookout Road
Ste 200
Leonardtown, MD 20650

240-434-4022

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MedStar Health accepts most major health insurance plans. If you are uncertain as to whether your individual health insurance plan is accepted at MedStar Health, please call your insurance company.