An aneurysm is a ballooning in the wall of an artery. Aneurysms can form in arteries throughout the body, but the most common location is in the abdomen in the major artery just below the kidney arteries. Very small aortic aneurysms can be checked by periodic ultrasound testing, but since rupture is the most frequent complication of an aneurysm, if it enlarges, an operation is required.

Surgery to remove an aneurysm is one of the most common vascular procedures performed. The operation is safe and the results are excellent. The operation to repair an aneurysm is usually performed in less than two hours. General anesthesia is given, so the patient is not awake and does not feel anything. The incision in the abdomen is about seven to ten inches long. First the surgeon locates and exposes the aneurysm. The aorta is clamped above and below the aneurysm to prevent bleeding, and the aneurysm is then opened. Any clots and atheromatous material that have lodged in the aneurysm are removed.

A synthetic graft - usually a straight tube of woven Dacron - is sutured to the aorta above and below the aneurysm. When the graft is in place, the clamps will be removed. Blood will flow through the graft to the legs.