Aortic Aneurysm
Aneurysms are enlarged arteries that occur when an artery wall weakens and the artery balloons outward. An aortic aneurysm occurs in the aorta, the largest artery in the body. Because the aorta runs from your heart through your chest and abdomen, an aortic aneurysm can occur anywhere in your chest or your abdomen. An aneurysm can burst (rupture), and lead to severe internal bleeding.
Your doctor may monitor your aneurysm and help you manage risk factors that might worsen it, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. If your aneurysm is serious or worsening, your doctor may insert a graft into your artery to support the weakened area. The graft will be a woven tube with a mesh support, and it will be secured into place at the site of the aneurysm. This will support the artery walls and prevent the aneurysm from rupturing.