Are there new breakthroughs for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm surgeries?

Is AAA also atherosclerosis or is this different??
I find the drs not too concerned and am going to push for tests to check the seriousness. I am having surgery soon for cancer and this is a concern

@shlary artherosclerosis is the narrowing of blood vessels normally due to history of high cholesterol which builds up, inside the walls, eventually they may block the flow of blood. An Aneurysm is totally different, it is a localized bulge of the artery, think of a small balloon that happens on a weak wall spot. Aneurysms can happen almost in any artery, an AAA specifically happens on the aorta in the section that travels through the abdomen (aneurysms can happen on any spot of the aorta and are named differently depending on the section of the aorta) , as they grow larger they can rupture or dissect and those are critical events, usually fatal.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and atherosclerosis are related but not the same condition. AAA is a bulging or ballooning of the abdominal portion of the aorta—the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The wall of the aorta weakens and stretches, increasing the risk of rupture. Atherosclerosis, on the other hand, is the buildup of fatty plaques (cholesterol, calcium, and other substances) inside the walls of arteries. This process can weaken the arterial wall over time and is one of the most common causes of AAA. In other words, atherosclerosis often contributes to or accelerates the development of an aneurysm, but not all aneurysms are caused by atherosclerosis. Some are due to genetic factors, connective tissue disorders, inflammation, or trauma.

In short:
Atherosclerosis = plaque buildup inside artery walls.
AAA = a weakened and dilated section of the aorta, often resulting from or worsened by atherosclerosis.

Peace.

@houston13 thanks. Yes I realize the difference but since I have the genetic high level Lpa just wondering about treatment. Guess my doctor didn’t explain well when he used the word annuities. Still serious in my book

Good day,
Just over a year ago I had an EVAR procedure done to repair an AAA. We had been watching this AAA for about 4 years until it jumped in size to 5.5. The repair was with the use of 3 stint/ graphs that stretch from just below the renal arteries and split and end in both iliac arteries. It is a procedure that has been used for years. The procedure took about a half day in its entirety from checking in to walking out. I was limited for a period of time on the amount of weight I could lift (10 lbs), but that’s the only inconvenience I faced. This procedure for me in my view has been EXTREMELY successful and I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone. I have it monitored with and ultrasound yearly, after the initial 1 month, 3 month and 6 month scans. The AAA is now at a normal 39mm size and there has been zero adverse side effects.

@jetdoc
I just got done with the same procedure. Im 71 & I had a 6.3cm AAA when I had the EVAR surgery. In & out of the hospital in 28 hrs. The side affects were minimal. No pain & minimal scarring near my groin area. Two 1/2” scars. Also had a sore throat from the oxygen tubes. Had 2 follow up scans; Ultrasound & CT Scan to check for endoleaks & graph movement. All turned out great!
Just started to get back to working out.
Will meet with surgeon on 9/29 to discuss future follow up maintenance.
There’s a moral to my story;
I never experienced any pain or internal bleeding. I only took this test as Medicare offers this Ultrasound ONCE free of charge. I was a smoker for 40 yesrs so I was high risk.
Today, I thank God for giving me the knowledge to make this life saving decision.
DONT WAIT!

I appreciate you asking about my progress.
I had my 30-60 day follow ups when included an Ultrasound & CT Scan. All went well No Endoleaks or movement of the graph stent.
Next up is an Ultrasound in 6 months.
No pain 4 months later. It took me approximately 7 weeks to start feeling close to normal. 4 months after surgery, I have been working out with weights & feeling like myself again. High reps / Low weights is great for me. I lost 8 lbs. overall but I’m ok with that.
Its great to find this chat room so I can share my experiences & maybe helping just one person would make my day.
Be safe & God Bless 🙏