Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm – Defusing the time bomb in the abdomen

Professor Robert Sayers

Department of Cardiovascular Sciences

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Lecture summary

Abdominal aortic aneurysm is an important cardiovascular disease and causing 10,000 deaths per annum in England and Wales and remains the 13th commonest cause of death in the United Kingdom.  The majority of aneurysms remain asymptomatic until rupture occurs which carries a high mortality.  At the present time, surgery is the only treatment for aneurysms but may have high risks associated with it in elderly men with co-morbidities.  Current surgical techniques include open transabdominal repair and key hole endovascular repair. 

This lecture will explore some recent advances in the management of aortic aneurysms including the role of the recently introduced National Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme.  The potential benefits and pitfalls of the screening programme will be reviewed together with the logistics of introducing it across England.  The ability of the screening programme to reduce mortality will also be discussed. 

Next, the role of endovascular aneurysm repair will be considered.  The technique of the operation will be illustrated and the issues regarding postoperative care will be highlighted. 

These two advances have the potential to reduce mortality from aortic aneurysm repair and their overall contribution to the disease will be examined.