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Our vascular surgeons at Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates focus on treating aneurysms affecting arteries in the abdomen, chest and limbs. Aneurysms, characterized by localized artery dilation, often remain asymptomatic until reaching critical size that may lead to rupture, posing a significant risk of mortality.
Our seasoned vascular surgeons specialize in comprehensive screening and treatment for aneurysms, employing both open and endovascular techniques. For expert aneurysm repair, contact Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates at their offices in Wildomar, Temecula, Hemet, or Corona. Schedule an appointment online or call today to ensure proactive aneurysm management.
Aneurysms Q & A
What is an aneurysm?
An aneurysm is a bulge in an artery wall. The bulge develops when a small area in the wall weakens, and the force of blood flowing through the area makes it balloon out.
Aneurysms may stay small, or they can slowly enlarge. Blood clots can form as the aneurysm enlarges. If the bulge gets too large, the artery wall breaks open, causing significant bleeding that needs emergency medical care.
What are the different types of aneurysms?
Aneurysms can develop in any artery in your body, where they’re known by different names, including:
Aortic aneurysms
The aorta, a large artery carrying blood from your heart to your body, runs through the center of your chest and abdomen. An aneurysm in the chest area is a thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA), while one in the lower part is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
Peripheral aneurysms
A peripheral aneurysm occurs in any artery other than the aorta or those inside your brain. A few examples include:
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Femoral aneurysm (arteries in your thighs)
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Popliteal aneurysm (arteries behind your knees)
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Visceral aneurysm (arteries supplying the kidneys and intestines)
Of these, popliteal aneurysms are the most common type.
What symptoms do aneurysms cause?
Many people don’t have symptoms until a blood clot blocks blood flow or the aneurysm ruptures. If you have symptoms, you may experience:
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Leg or arm pain
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Chest, abdominal, or back pain
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Pulsating lump in your neck, arm, leg, or abdomen
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Bluish color in your legs
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Difficulty swallowing
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Dizziness
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Confusion
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Fatigue
A ruptured aneurysm causes sudden, severe pain, a fast heart rate, and cold, clammy skin.
How are aneurysms treated?
Your provider monitors a small aneurysm, using regularly scheduled ultrasounds to watch how quickly it enlarges. When aneurysms reach a specific size, your provider repairs the artery to prevent the bulge from rupturing.
The Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates vascular team performs a minimally invasive endovascular procedure, guiding a catheter through your blood vessels to the aneurysm.
They use the catheter to release a stent graft, a specialized tube that expands and attaches to the artery wall. The graft covers the aneurysm, and blood flows through the tube, preventing it from entering the bulging area.
For popliteal aneurysms, the vascular surgeons use traditional open repair techniques, tying tying off the popliteal artery both above and below the knee.
Call Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates today or connect online to schedule an aneurysm screening or endovascular repair.