Welcome to the Aneurysm Repair Surgery Clinic at Emirates Hospitals Group. Our team of highly skilled specialists provides comprehensive care for individuals diagnosed with aneurysms. Aneurysms are abnormal bulges or weaknesses in the wall of a blood vessel that can occur in various parts of the body, but they are most commonly found in the brain (cerebral aneurysms) and aorta (aortic aneurysms). If left untreated, aneurysms can lead to life-threatening complications such as rupture and internal bleeding, making timely intervention critical.
Our team of expert vascular surgeons, neurosurgeons, and interventional radiologists offer cutting-edge treatments for aneurysms. We combine advanced technology and techniques to ensure safe and effective aneurysm repair, with a focus on improving patient outcomes and reducing recovery time.
What is an Aneurysm?
An aneurysm is a bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel caused by a weakened vessel wall. Aneurysms can occur in many parts of the body, including:
- Cerebral Aneurysm (Brain Aneurysm): An aneurysm that forms in the brain’s blood vessels, which can lead to severe complications if ruptured.
- Aortic Aneurysm: A bulge in the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body, which can be life-threatening if it ruptures.
- Peripheral Aneurysms: Aneurysms that can occur in the arteries of the limbs, such as the femoral or popliteal arteries.
Aneurysms vary in size, and the risk of rupture increases with the size of the aneurysm. Symptoms can vary, but many people with aneurysms experience no symptoms at all until a rupture occurs. When symptoms do appear, they can include severe headaches, vision problems, dizziness, or pain in the chest, abdomen, or legs, depending on the location of the aneurysm.
Aneurysm Repair Surgery in Dubai
At Emirates Hospitals Group, we offer advanced and minimally invasive aneurysm repair procedures, tailored to the type, size, and location of the aneurysm. Our expert surgeons use state-of-the-art technology and the latest techniques to ensure a high success rate and rapid recovery.
Surgical Treatment for Aneurysms
The goal of aneurysm repair is to prevent the aneurysm from rupturing and to restore normal blood flow. Depending on the type of aneurysm, our team may recommend one of the following surgical approaches:
- Open Surgery: In more complex cases, an open surgical procedure may be necessary to repair the aneurysm by directly accessing the blood vessel. For example, a cerebral aneurysm may require craniotomy (removal of part of the skull) to access the brain and repair the aneurysm.
- Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR): A minimally invasive procedure used for certain types of aneurysms, especially aortic aneurysms. A catheter is inserted through a small incision in the groin and guided to the aneurysm site. A stent graft is then placed to reinforce the weakened blood vessel and prevent rupture.
- Coiling (for Brain Aneurysms): A technique used for cerebral aneurysms where tiny coils are inserted into the aneurysm through a catheter to promote clotting and prevent rupture.
- Clipping (for Brain Aneurysms): Involves placing a small metal clip at the base of a brain aneurysm to stop blood flow to the aneurysm, preventing it from rupturing.
Each treatment is individualized based on factors such as the aneurysm’s location, size, and the patient’s overall health. Our specialists discuss the most appropriate treatment options with each patient to ensure the best outcome.
Symptoms of Aneurysms
While some aneurysms do not present symptoms, others may cause significant warning signs, depending on their location:
- Severe headache (commonly associated with brain aneurysms)
- Sudden dizziness or fainting
- Visual disturbances, such as double vision or loss of vision
- Pain in the chest, abdomen, or limbs (for aortic and peripheral aneurysms)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion or speech problems (for brain aneurysms)
Aneurysms can be life-threatening if they rupture, so early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
Diagnostic Approaches for Aneurysms
Accurate diagnosis is key to developing a treatment plan. We use advanced diagnostic methods, including:
- CT Scan (Computed Tomography): To detect aneurysms, especially brain aneurysms, and assess the extent of the bleeding if rupture has occurred.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed images of the brain or blood vessels to locate and assess aneurysms.
- Angiography: This procedure involves injecting a contrast dye into the bloodstream and using X-rays or CT to obtain detailed images of blood vessels and identify any abnormalities.
- Ultrasound: Used primarily for detecting abdominal or peripheral aneurysms.
Recovery and Post-Treatment Care For Aneurysms
Recovery from aneurysm repair depends on the type of surgery performed, the aneurysm’s location, and the patient’s overall health. In general, recovery includes:
- Hospital Stay: Patients typically stay in the hospital for 1 to 5 days after the procedure, depending on the type of surgery and recovery progress.
- Pain Management: Medications are provided to manage pain and minimize discomfort during recovery.
- Monitoring: Close monitoring for complications, including infection or recurrence of the aneurysm, will be conducted during the hospital stay.
- Rehabilitation: Physical therapy may be recommended for some patients to aid in recovery and regain strength, especially for brain aneurysms.
- Follow-up Appointments: Regular follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor recovery and ensure no complications arise.