A visceral aneurysm is an abnormal bulging or weakening of a blood vessel that supplies blood to the organs inside the chest or abdomen, such as the lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, pancreas, or intestines.
A visceral aneurysm is an abnormal bulging or weakening of a blood vessel that supplies blood to the organs inside the chest or abdomen, such as the lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, pancreas, or intestines. Although these aneurysms are uncommon, they can be serious because there is a risk they may rupture, which can cause internal bleeding. Many aneurysms are too small to pose a risk and can be safely monitored on imaging.
Many visceral aneurysms cause no symptoms and are often discovered incidentally on CT or ultrasound scans done for other reasons. When symptoms do occur, they may include abdominal pain, back pain, or nausea. Rupture of a visceral aneurysm can be life threatening. Certain conditions, such as high blood pressure, pregnancy, liver disease, prior surgery, or connective tissue disorders, can increase the risk of developing these aneurysms.
Most patients go home the same day or the next day. Follow-up imaging is used to confirm that the aneurysm has been successfully treated and to monitor long-term results.
How Interventional Radiology Can Help
SAVI IRs offers minimally invasive treatments for visceral aneurysms, often avoiding the need for open surgery. Using advanced imaging guidance, an interventional radiologist accesses the blood vessels through a tiny incision, usually in the groin or wrist, and treats the aneurysm from inside the vessel. Each visceral aneurysm is unique and often require a varied toolbox to treat. SAVI IRs are skilled in many different endovascular techniques in order for you to get the best result.
Common treatment options include:
These procedures are typically performed with conscious sedation or light anesthesia, involve small incisions, and usually allow for short hospital stays and faster recovery compared with surgery. SAVI IRs work very closely with the department of Vascular Surgery and most cases are discussed at multidisciplinary rounds so we can be certain that you are getting the best outcome. In some cases, surgery is recommended over endovascular treatment.
Missing info?
Evaluation and minimally invasive treatment of narrowed or blocked peripheral arteries to improve blood flow, relieve symptoms, and reduce the risk of complications through advanced, image-guided procedures.
Mayfair’s interventional radiologists perform general IR procedures at Rockyview General Hospital and interventional vascular procedures at the Peter Lougheed Centre in Calgary.
