Aneurysms

An aneurysm occurs when an artery’s wall weakens and causes an abnormally large bulge. This bulge can rupture and cause internal bleeding. Although an aneurysm can occur in any part of your body, they’re most common in the brain, aorta, legs and spleen. Males are more likely to have aneurysms than females. Aneurysms that occur near the surface of the body may show signs of swelling and pain. A large mass may also develop.

Treatment varies depending on the body part location and type of aneurysm. Example, a weak area of a vessel in the chest and abdomen may require endovascular stent graft surgery. This minimally invasive procedure may be preferred over traditional open surgery because it involves repairing and strengthening of damaged blood vessels. The procedure also reduces the infecting chance, scarring, and other related problems.

18,000 Americans fall over dead each year, killed by a burst aneurysm. The annual rate of rupture is approximately 8 – 10 per 100,000 people or about 30,000 people in the United States suffer from aneurysm rupture. There is aneurysm rupturing every 18 minutes. Ruptured brain aneurysms are fatal in about 40% of cases. Of those who survive, about 66% suffer some permanent neurological deficit. Women, more than men, suffer from brain aneurysms at a ratio of 3:2.