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What is Aortic Disease?

The arteries are the largest type of blood vessel and they deliver nutrient and oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. The largest artery in the human body is the aorta and it runs from the left ventricle of the heart to the abdomen before dividing into the two smaller iliac arteries. Aortic disease occurs when the aorta either splits, dissects, or dilates, forming an aneurysm. In either case, the results can be life-threatening, making it imperative that any person who experiences symptoms of aortic disease should see a top vascular specialist in Bergen County for diagnosis and treatment. The conditions that result most often cause symptoms of abdominal pain or discomfort, along with pain in the lower back, chest, buttocks, groin, or legs.

A number of conditions can lead to aortic disease, including atherosclerosis in which plaque builds up inside the artery walls. Smoking is a major risk factor that leads to aortic disease. Other causes include high blood pressure, abnormalities of the artery from birth, an injury to the artery, other medical conditions, or aging.

Different types of aortic aneurysm include abdominal, thoracic or thoraco-abdominal. The vascular specialist in Hackensack may use a number of diagnostic tests to diagnose your condition. In addition to a physical exam and an evaluation of your medical history, they may use a number of non-invasive imaging techniques to determine the location of the weakened artery.

In the past, an incision was made into the abdomen to remove the area of the artery with the aneurysm, after which a piece of synthetic tube was used to replace it. Today, a board certified vascular surgeon in Bergen County uses a minimally invasive endovascular technique which may only rely on two small incisions to be made. Many times, no incisions are needed at all. Using fluoroscopy to guide them, the surgeon inserts a stent graft through the needle stick or incision where it will be placed to provide a strong replacement for the damaged arterial wall.

Contact Bergen Surgical Specialists for an appointment with one of our top vascular specialists in Bergen County to learn your options for treatment.

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