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Aneurysms Specialist

Acadiana Vascular Clinic:
Vein Center of Louisiana

Board Certified Vascular Surgeons located in
Lafayette, LA
In the United States, 200,000 people are diagnosed with an abdominal aorta aneurysm every year. The team of vascular experts at the Vein Center of Louisiana, located in Lafayette, Louisiana, screens for, diagnoses, and treats this potentially dangerous condition. For a consultation and expert evaluation, call or request an appointment online.
337-289-9700Request Appointment

Acadiana Vascular Clinic:
Vein Center of Louisiana

Board Certified Vascular Surgeons located in
Lafayette, LA
In the United States, 200,000 people are diagnosed with an abdominal aorta aneurysm every year. The team of vascular experts at the Vein Center of Louisiana, located in Lafayette, Louisiana, screens for, diagnoses, and treats this potentially dangerous condition. For a consultation and expert evaluation, call or request an appointment online.
337-289-9700Request Appointment

Aneurysms Q & A

What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a weakened area of the aorta, which expands and bulges. The aorta is the largest artery of the body. The abdominal aorta is the portion of the aorta that runs through the abdomen and supplies blood to the lower part of the body.

An aneurysm could balloon out and rupture, causing internal bleeding and possibly death. An AAA also places you at higher risk for blood clots, which can travel to your lower extremities or organs.

AAA is a serious condition, but with early detection and proper care, it can be treated or resolved.

What are symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

In the early stages of an AAA, there are no symptoms. Once your AAA develops, you may experience symptoms such as:

  • A pulsing sensation in your abdomen
  • Lower extremity pain or discoloration
  • Slow-healing wounds on legs and feet
  • Dull, deep pain in the back or abdomen

If you have severe pain, especially combined with sudden dizziness, weakness, or loss of consciousness, your abdominal aortic aneurysm could be close to bursting, or has burst.

Who is at risk for an AAA?

You may be at higher risk for an abdominal aortic aneurysm if you have conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or atherosclerosis — hardening of the arteries. You may also be at risk if you:

  • Are male
  • Have a family history of AAA
  • Smoke
  • Have a health history of other types of aneurysms
  • Are over 60

If you have several risk factors, it’s especially important that you have regular screenings for abdominal aortic aneurysm.

How is an AAA treated?

When an abdominal aortic aneurysm is diagnosed, your provider at the Vein Center of Louisiana creates a treatment plan based on the degree of severity and your symptoms. There are three main approaches to care:

Watchful waiting

Regular checkups every 6-12 months, with lifestyle changes to reduce your risk factors.

Open aneurysm repair

A surgical repair may be needed to place an aortic graft, to strengthen and repair the site.

Endovascular stent graft

A less invasive approach that is used to strengthen and repair the site.

Your provider helps to determine the best approach to treating and curing your AAA.

For screening and treatment for an abdominal aortic aneurysm, call or request an appointment online with the Vein Center of Louisiana. The practice serves those in Lafayette, Lake Charles, Alexandria, and the surrounding areas.

 

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