Aorto-iliac aneurysms

Aneurysms are pockets found in the widening of the walls of the aorta, to a limited point, and in communication with the lumen of the aorta. They are the result of hemorrhaging and of thrombus (engendered by clots which are found in its interior) and also from lesions of surrounding organs. Also, there are congenital aneurysms or consequences of a traumatic pathology.

Recently, an increment in the occurrence of this pathology and its complications has been detected, both in the aorto-iliac as well as peripheral (popliteal) sector.

This is owing to the fact that they are being diagnosed more frequently and earlier, owing to the use of sonograms, CT and MRI. Likewise, the increase in this pathology has been proven to be related to the increase of aneurysmal forms of atherosclerosis.

Surgical techniques have improved greatly in the last decades, as has the post-operative recovery period and the possible implantation of the endograft, all of which have greatly ameliorated the outcomes of surgical treatment. Endovascular surgery, likewise, has opened up new possibilities of implementation of grafts by this means, ideal in very elderly patients because of the high risk that a surgical intervention entails.

Aorto-iliac aneurysms are located in the aortic artery or in the iliac vein and are arteriovenous because they link the artery to the vein. Mycotic aneurysms are those which are caused by an infection. Cardiac aneurysms are located in the heart, generally in a ventricle that broadens and seems like an aneurysm, even though it is not one, in reality. These types of aneurysms are a consequence of a myocardial infarction.