Overview

The goal of treating an aortic aneurysm is to prevent dissection or rupture, the likelihood of which increases with the size of the aneurysm. Once an aneurysm develops along the aorta, it will not disappear or reduce in size on its own. Some small aneurysms will remain stable in size for many years, while others increase in size over time. Most aneurysms grow at rates less than ¼ of an inch per year; however, growth rates can vary substantially between aneurysms.

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Treatment depends on size, type, and location of the aneurysm as well as a person's general health. If the diameter of an aneurysm is small (less than 1 1/2 inches) and there are no symptoms, your doctor may suggest a watch-and-wait approach while prescribing medications to control your blood pressure and lipid levels. Although these medications are used to slow the growth of an aneurysm, they are not a cure. Eventually, most aortic aneurysms will need to be repaired to avert rupture or dissection.

This section contains more information on:

• Criteria for surgical repair
• Monitoring
• Medication
• Open abdominal or open chest surgery
• Endovascular surgery
• Treatment of aortic dissections