What are Aortic and Peripheral Aneurysms?

An aneurysm is a weak spot in a blood vessel that widens due to the force of blood flow. If it bursts (ruptures), you could experience internal bleeding. It can also lead to blood clots (thrombosis) and blockages that disrupt blood flow. Our experts treat aneurysms that occur within the aorta and peripheral vascular system. You receive comprehensive care to lower your risk of a ruptured aneurysm.

Our approach to aneurysm treatment includes screening tests and sophisticated imaging studies to catch aneurysms in earlier stages. We accurately pinpoint the aneurysm’s location and severity so that you receive the right care for your needs. Doctors use the best available aneurysm treatments to prevent ruptures, including medical and surgical options. 

Get more information about your aneurysm risk and available therapies by visiting one of our specialists located throughout the Puget Sound. To make an appointment, contact one of our specialists.

Aneurysms typically develop over many years and might not cause symptoms until they become large or rupture. The symptoms you experience also depend on the aneurysm’s location. 

Symptoms include: 

• Blue or black skin on your fingers or toes
• Chest, back, or abdominal pain
• Limb discomfort that worsens with physical activity
• Painful sores on your extremities that are slow to heal
• Nerve compression causing pain that may radiate down the affected limb

If you feel sudden, severe pain in your chest, back, or abdomen, along with dizziness or a rapid heartbeat, call 911. These may be signs that an aneurysm has ruptured, a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Our vascular disease specialists treat aneurysms affecting the: 

• Aorta, a blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body
• Carotid artery in the neck, which delivers blood to the brain, head, and face
• Femoral artery near the groin that supplies blood to the lower extremities 
• Mesenteric artery, which provides blood to the intestines
• Popliteal artery behind the knee that delivers blood to your lower legs
• Splenic artery that supplies the spleen, pancreas, and stomach

Certain factors increase your risk for an aneurysm, including: 

• Age: Aneurysms typically occur in a person’s 60s or 70s. 
• Family history: A family history of heart or vascular disease raises your risk of aneurysm.
• Gender: The condition occurs more frequently in men.
• Other medical issues: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis (hardened arteries), obesity, or inherited connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome may lead to an aneurysm.
• Tobacco use: Smoking is the most significant aneurysm risk factor. It damages blood vessel walls, making an aneurysm more likely.

We often detect aneurysms during assessments for other medical issues. If there is a concern, our team performs a comprehensive evaluation and confirms the diagnosis with imaging studies, like duplex ultrasound. Get more information about vascular testing in our accredited lab. 

You may also benefit from an assessment if you don’t have aortic aneurysm symptoms but have risk factors. Detecting an aneurysm in its early stages means you can receive timely care that lowers the risk of complications, such as blood clots. A blood clot can cause a severe blockage, increasing the risk of limb loss (amputation). Get more information about vascular disease screenings.

Screening tests can detect signs of peripheral aneurysms in early stages when you are not likely to experience symptoms. They are for people facing a higher risk of the disease, including males 65 or older who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime. This evaluation involves a standard ultrasound.

We use medical therapies to treat slow-growing aneurysms and ones that are not likely to rupture. If medical therapies are unsuccessful, or you face a high risk of complications, we repair the vessel. Read more about our vascular disease treatments.

Learn more about testing and treatment in the Puget  Sound.