What Is an Aortic Aneurysm?

An aortic aneurysm is a bulge or weakening in the wall of the aorta — the main artery that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Aneurysms may develop without symptoms. However, they can become life-threatening if they grow large or rupture. There are three types:

Abdominal aortic aneurysms occur in the belly area.
Thoracic aortic aneurysms occur in the chest.
Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms extend through the chest and abdomen.

Our specialists at Keck Medicine of USC treat all types of aortic aneurysms. We use the latest surgical and minimally invasive techniques to reduce your risk of complications.

Our Experts Accurately Diagnose Aortic Aneurysm Symptoms

Many aortic aneurysms don’t cause obvious symptoms. You may discover one during an abdominal ultrasound, MRI or CT scan for another condition. It’s a good idea to talk to your provider about any factors that may increase your risk of aortic aneurysm. They may recommend screening.

If you do have symptoms, you may notice:

Difficulty swallowing
Growing pain in your neck, back, chest or abdomen
Shortness of breath
Swelling that spreads to your arms or face

When an aneurysm ruptures or begins to tear (aortic dissection), symptoms are more sudden and severe. Call 911 or seek emergency care right away if you experience intense pain, dizziness, irregular heartbeat or loss of consciousness.

Aortic Aneurysm Treatments We Offer

Treatment depends on the aneurysm’s size, location and growth rate, along with your overall health. If your aneurysm is small, your care team will focus on reducing strain on the aorta. Your treatment plan may include:

Lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking and eating a healthy diet
Medication to control blood pressure and cholesterol
Routine imaging to track aneurysm growth

Large, risky aneurysms may require surgery. Our team will discuss surgical approaches with you and walk you through what to expect.

Surgery for Aortic Aneurysm

One option is open surgical repair. During this procedure, a surgeon removes the aneurysm and repairs the artery with a graft (synthetic fabric tube). You can expect to stay in the hospital for up to ten days afterward so your care team can closely monitor your recovery.

We also offer endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). This minimally invasive technique uses a catheter (thin, flexible tube) to place a graft inside the artery and reinforce the weakened area. Recovery after EVAR surgery is typically faster. Most patients only spend a few days in the hospital and resume normal activities within a few weeks.

Your treatment plan will include the most appropriate approach for your condition. Our heart and vascular experts help you navigate every step of your care, from diagnosis through surgery and beyond.