Conditions Treated
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an abnormal swelling of the main artery (aorta) in the abdominal cavity. The portion of the aorta below the kidney arteries (infra-renal aorta) is the commonest site for aneurysmal change and accounts for almost 12,000 hospital admissions per year in England.
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What should I do next?
If you think you have this condition or any of the described symptoms we recommend you seek medical advice.
For further information or to arrange an appointment at Circulation Clinic:
Enquiries: 0345 3690106
The majority of AAA are asymptomatic at the time of presentation, being identified incidentally during clinical examination, screening or imaging investigation for non-related conditions. However, complications including rupture may occur, leading to significant harm and even death: 6000 deaths per year in England and Wales result from ruptured AAA. The likelihood of developing complications is proportional to the size of the AAA, with those that are more than twice the size of the normal artery being particularly prone to problems.
Treatment is indicated when the risk of an aneurysm rupturing is greater than the risk associated with repair; this tends to occur when the AAA diameter reaches 5.5cm.
Our surgeons are proud of their results in the treatment of standard and complex abdominal aortic aneurysms and have expertise in both endovascular repair (EVAR), including fenestrated EVAR, and open surgical repair. Individual surgeon outcomes can be reviewed on the UK National Vascular Registry.