An aneurysm is a dilatation of a blood vessel, almost always an artery, to the point where it becomes stretched out and begins to look like a balloon. This usually occurs because of hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) or general deterioration of the arteries that can come with aging. Aneurysms often run in families as well. Aneurysms are dangerous because when the artery stretches, it becomes weakened. A major source of complications or even death from aneurysms is when they rupture, or the wall of the artery breaks. This is more likely to happen in larger aneurysms. Rupture of an aneurysm can cause major and fatal hemorrhage (bleeding). Vascular surgeons are experts in treating aneurysms in many parts of the body. The most common locations of aneurysms which need to be treated are the aorta (the major blood vessel located in the abdomen) and the legs.

Aneurysms can be diagnosed when an abnormally large pulsation or mass is found when a patient is examined. Vascular surgeons are expert in detecting aneurysms by the physical examination of patients alone. Aneurysms can also be seen on many types of X-rays or imaging studies (for example, CT scans, sonograms, MRI). The goal of finding aneurysms is to treat them before any complications, particular rupture, occur.

Once an aneurysm is found, a decision is made as to whether it needs to be treated, or whether it can simply be watched. Almost all aneurysms can be treated routinely with standard vascular surgical techniques. More recently, we have become specialists in the newer field of "endovascular surgery", which allows us to treat many aneurysms using less invasive methods. This allows a shorter hospital stay and easier recovery for the patient.

Importantly, many patients who have aneurysms are likely to develop aneurysms in other parts of their body. Therefore, it is critical that patients who have been diagnosed with an aneurysm continue to see a vascular surgeon periodically, so that new aneurysms which develop may be appropriately treated.

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