What is an aortic aneurysm?

An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the aorta, the body's main artery.  They occur when the wall of the artery is weakened due to plaque buildup inside the wall of the aorta.

Why are aneurysms dangerous?

If unrecognized and untreated, the bulge in the artery can grow large enough to rupture - or burst - and cause death.

What is an aneurysm repair surgery?

Your surgeon will insert a stent-graft within the aneurysm, which takes pressure away from the weakened artery walls. This prevents further enlargement or rupture.

With modern, minimally invasive, or endovascular techniques, this procedure is safer and less traumatic than ever before. Your surgeon will make two small incisions in the groin area and access your aorta through the femoral arteries. Most patients return home just a day or two after surgery - this is much faster than the traditional method, which required a large abdominal incision and extended recovery time.

What is carotid artery disease?

Carotid artery disease is a narrowing of the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the brain; it is due to plaque buildup in the arteries. If some of that plaque breaks free and travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke or temporary loss of vision.

What is a carotid endarterectomy?

A carotid endarterectomy is a procedure that removes the lining of thickened or damaged arteries to eliminate any plaque and restore normal blood flow.

What are leg angioplasty and stenting procedures?

Using a small needle inserted in the groin, a balloon-tipped catheter is threaded into the blocked artery. Once in position, the balloon is inflated to break up the blockage. A small stent may be inserted to keep the artery open following the procedure.

Why is this procedure performed?

Leg angioplasty and stenting are used to widen clogged blood vessels in the legs and improve blood flow. This is primarily performed for patients who experience difficulty walking. 

What is bypass surgery?

Bypass surgery is the use of a synthetic graft or a patient's own vein to create a new pathway that reroutes blood around a blocked artery.

When is peripheral bypass surgery performed?

Bypass is performed when a blockage is too severe to be treated with angioplasty or stenting.

How do patients feel following peripheral bypass?

After bypass, patients report excellent results. Blood flow to the affected area is restored to normal, and most patients return home within several days.