ABSTRACT
An aneurysm is an abnormal localised dilatation of a blood vessel. Aneurysms can be classified on the basis of aetiology, shape and pathology. Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) account for 2% of male deaths above the age of 55 years in the UK. Only 50% of patients with a ruptured aneurysm survive to reach hospital, and a further 25% die before operation. The mortality from an elective operation is 2–5%. Therefore in asymptomatic aneurysms the risk of mortality from the procedure must be weighed against the risk of rupture. The chapter describes briefly how an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm is repaired. It also describes the possible complications of aortic surgery. The chapter discusses the principles of endovascular stent grafting. Endovascular stent grafting is a minimally invasive procedure performed by interventional radiologists and vascular surgeons. The chapter also discusses the complications of this procedure. These include Infection, endovascular leakage, graft kinking or fracturing, graft migration, and graft occlusion.
