Aneurysms Flashcards
What causes an aneurysm?
Degeneration in the vessel wall, a weakened vessel wall
What are risk factors for aneurysms?
HTN, atherosclerosis, congenital defects
What is a fusiform aneurysm?
An aneurysm that bulges on both sides of vessel wall
What is a saccular aneurysm?
An aneurysm that bulges only on one side of the vessel wall
What is a dissecting aneurysm?
When blood flows into the vessel wall and separates any two layers of the wall and a bulge forms
What are the most common sites for an aneurysm?
Areas on increased pressure, bending or bifurcation. Or lacking support. Also abdominal and thoracic aorta, or femoral, iliac, or popliteal ateries
What is the most pressing complication of an aneurysm?
Rupture which leads to a hemorrhage
What are other not so pressing complications of an aneurysm?
Pressure on surrounding structures, thrombosis (platelet aggregation due to slowed flow in the open area) and distal embolization (thrombus and broken off and moves to another sort of the body and causes obstruction)
What is an aneurysm?
Localized dilation in a blood vessel that is permanent
