Aneurysms and Carotid Artery Surgery Flashcards
What is an aortic aneurysm?
A swelling of the aorta
How large does a swell have to be to count as an aortic aneurysm? (2)
Exceeds 3cm or 50% increase
Where do the majority of aortic aneurysms occur?
Infra-renal (below the kidney)
What does a fusiform aneurysm look like?
Spindle shaped
What does a saccular aneurysm look like?
Pouch shaped
At what age is it more likely to get an AAA?
Over 55
What are 4 clinical risk factors for AAA?
COAD
Hypertension
PVD
Ischaemic heart disease
What are 3 social risk factors for AAA?
Male
Smoking
Genetics (male)
What happens to the risk of rupture as the aneurysm size increases?
It increases exponentially
What preoperative investigations could you perform to check a patients fitness before surgery? (5)
FBC ECG Echo CXR CT Pulmonary function test Cardiac perfusion scan
What invasive operation is performed for AAA?
Graft placement
What are the 2 types of graft?
Tube
Bifurcated
What are 3 postoperative complications of graft placement surgery for AAA?
Haemorrhage
Colonic iscahemia
Infected grafts
What is a less invasive procedure for AAA?
Endovascular repair
What does endovascular repair involve?
A catheter is inserted towards the aorta where it releases a expandable stent as it is pulled out
What are 3 postop problems than can occur after endovascular repair?
Endoleak
Fragmentation of device
Migration of stent
What are 3 symptoms of an emergency presentation of AAA?
Severe back pain
Renal colic
Hypovolaemic shock
What is considered an emergency presentation go AAA?
If it is ruptured
What scan should be performed on AAA till it reaches 5.5cm?
Ultrasound
What drugs should be used to control risk factors for AAA? (2)
Statins
Aspirin
