Aneurysms

An aneurysm is an abnormal dilation in the wall of an artery in the body and usually enlarges slowly over many years. As aneurysms grow in size, the risk of blood vessel rupture increases which may be life threatening. If an aneurysm is detected on diagnostic imaging, consultation with an interventional radiology specialist is recommended to discuss treatment options. In most cases, aneurysms can be treated via a small catheter advanced through the femoral artery in the leg or the radial artery in the wrist. Blood flow into the aneurysm is stopped by delivering a stent and/or small coils through the catheter. Recovery time is just several hours and most patients can go home the same day.

- Cerebral aneurysms are aneurysms that arise in arteries that supply the brain

- Thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms occur when the large artery in the chest or abdomen become enlarged

- Peripheral aneurysms occur in an artery other than the aorta 

- Renal aneurysms affect the artery supplying the kidney

- Splenic aneurysms occur in an artery supplying the spleen