Aortic Disease: What You Need to Know About Aortic Aneurysms and Aortic Dissections

The aorta is the largest artery in the human body. It carries oxygen-rich blood from your heart to every organ, muscle, and tissue. Because of its critical role, any disease affecting the aorta can become life-threatening if left untreated.

At Sarasota Vascular Specialists, our board-certified vascular surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating aortic disease, including aortic aneurysms and aortic dissections. Using advanced imaging technology, minimally invasive endovascular procedures, and complex open surgical techniques, we provide personalized care designed to achieve the best possible outcomes.

The good news is that many forms of aortic disease can be successfully treated—especially when diagnosed early.

What Is Aortic Disease?

Aortic disease refers to conditions that weaken or damage the wall of the aorta.

The two most common conditions include:

• Aortic aneurysms
• Aortic dissections

Both conditions require careful evaluation by an experienced vascular surgeon because they can become medical emergencies if not treated appropriately.

What Is an Aortic Aneurysm?

An aortic aneurysm occurs when a weakened section of the aorta begins to bulge outward.

Over time, the artery wall can continue stretching as pressure from blood flow increases. If the aneurysm grows too large, it may rupture, causing life-threatening internal bleeding.

Aneurysms can develop in different parts of the aorta, including:

• Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (chest)
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (abdomen)
• Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm (chest and abdomen)

What Is an Aortic Dissection?

An aortic dissection occurs when a tear develops in the inner lining of the aorta. Blood enters the tear and separates the layers of the artery, creating a false channel inside the vessel.

Without immediate treatment, an aortic dissection can reduce blood flow to vital organs or lead to rupture. It is a medical emergency requiring rapid diagnosis and specialized care.

What Causes Aortic Disease?

Several factors can weaken the wall of the aorta over time, including:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Smoking
• High cholesterol
• Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
• Family history of aneurysms
• Connective tissue disorders
• Aging
• Previous vascular disease

Men over age 65 with a history of smoking are at particularly high risk for abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Symptoms of Aortic Disease

One of the greatest challenges is that many aneurysms produce no symptoms at all. They are often discovered during imaging performed for another reason.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Symptoms

• Pulsating feeling in the abdomen
• Deep abdominal pain
• Back pain
• Flank pain

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Symptoms

• Chest pain
• Upper back pain
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Shortness of breath

Aortic Dissection Symptoms

• Sudden severe chest pain
• Tearing or ripping back pain
• Loss of consciousness
• Stroke symptoms
• Leg pain
• Weak pulse

If these symptoms develop suddenly, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Why Early Detection Matters

Many aneurysms are discovered before they become dangerous. Early diagnosis allows vascular surgeons to:

• Monitor growth with ultrasound or CT scans
• Control risk factors
• Recommend treatment before rupture occurs

Early detection dramatically improves patient outcomes.

How Is Aortic Disease Diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a comprehensive vascular evaluation.

Depending on your condition, your vascular surgeon may recommend:

Ultrasound

A painless, non-invasive screening test commonly used to detect abdominal aortic aneurysms.

CT Angiography (CTA)

Provides highly detailed images of the aorta and surrounding blood vessels.

MRI

Helpful for evaluating complex vascular anatomy.

Physical Examination

Some aneurysms may be suspected during a routine physical examination.

Treatment Options for Aortic Disease

Treatment depends on several factors, including:

• Aneurysm size
• Growth rate
• Location
• Symptoms
• Overall health
• Individual anatomy

Every treatment plan is customized for the patient.

Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR)

Many abdominal aneurysms can now be repaired using minimally invasive techniques.

Through small punctures in the groin, your vascular surgeon places a stent graft inside the aorta to reinforce the weakened artery.

Benefits include:

• Smaller incisions
• Less pain
• Shorter hospital stay
• Faster recovery
• Excellent long-term outcomes

Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR)

For aneurysms involving the chest, TEVAR uses similar minimally invasive techniques to strengthen the thoracic aorta without the need for large incisions.

Open Aortic Surgery

Some patients require traditional open surgery due to the size, location, or complexity of their aneurysm.

Because Sarasota Vascular Specialists performs both open and minimally invasive procedures, we recommend the treatment that is best for the patient—not simply one approach.

Surveillance: Sometimes Monitoring Is the Best Treatment

Not every aneurysm requires immediate surgery.

Smaller aneurysms can often be safely monitored through routine imaging and follow-up appointments.

Your vascular surgeon will evaluate:

• Aneurysm diameter
• Growth rate
• Symptoms
• Overall health

When intervention becomes necessary, treatment can be planned before an emergency develops.

Why Choose Sarasota Vascular Specialists?

Aortic disease requires specialized expertise.

Our team provides:

• Comprehensive vascular evaluations
• Advanced vascular imaging
• Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR)
• Thoracic endovascular repair (TEVAR)
• Open aortic surgery
• Long-term aneurysm surveillance
• Personalized treatment plans
• Collaborative, patient-centered care

Using the latest technology and evidence-based surgical techniques, we focus on delivering exceptional outcomes while prioritizing patient safety.

Protect Your Health with Early Screening

Many aneurysms remain silent until they become life-threatening.

If you have a history of smoking, high blood pressure, vascular disease, or a family history of aneurysms, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. A simple vascular screening could save your life.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you’ve been diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm, have risk factors for aortic disease, or want peace of mind through screening, Sarasota Vascular Specialists is here to help.

Sarasota Vascular Specialists
📍 600 North Cattlemen Road, Suite 220
Sarasota, FL 34232

📞 Call (941) 294-5146