An aneurysm occurs when a part of the artery wall weakens, allowing it to balloon abnormally or widen. When blood moves through the aorta, the aortic wall is stretched and weakened, and high blood pressure stresses the aortic wall even more, causing a tear.
Arterial aneurysms can be defined as a 50% increase in the vessel's standard diameter. Rupture, thrombosis, or distal embolization are the common complications that affect arterial aneurysms and result in clinical symptoms.
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Patients choose India for the treatment of Arterial Aneurysms because of the affordable prices available with cutting-edge healthcare facilities. The average cost of cerebral aneurysm surgery in India is INR 513,640 (USD 7000). This is approximately 1/3rd of what it costs in Western countries, as the average price of cerebral aneurysm treatment in the West is estimated to be above $20,000.
Similarly, the Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair cost in India for Indian Patients is between Rs. 444000 to Rs. 592000 while the cost for International patients is between USD 9000 to USD 11000.
What are the Types of Arterial Aneurysm?
The most common types of arterial aneurysms include:
- An aortic aneurysm occurs in the main artery, which carries blood from the heart to the body. The two types of aortic aneurysms are:
- Abdominal aneurysm is the most common type of aortic aneurysm, where the aorta weakens because of increased blood pressure. This results in a ruptured vessel, causing internal bleeding below the diaphragm.
- A thoracic aneurysm occurs in the part of the aorta which runs through the chest cavity and can be hard to detect.
- A cerebral aneurysm occurs in an artery of the brain.
- Peripheral aneurysm affects areas of the body other than the aorta or the brain.
- Carotid artery aneurysms are rare and form in the carotid artery (blood vessels bringing blood to the brain, neck, and face).
- Popliteal artery aneurysm arises in the artery behind the knee.
- Femoral arteries occur in the groin.
- Splenic artery aneurysm is rare and occurs in an artery of the spleen, affecting 0.7% of the population.
- A renal artery aneurysm occurs in the artery that supplies blood to the kidneys.
- A mesenteric artery aneurysm occurs in the artery that supplies blood to the intestine.
- A bacterial infection causes Mycotic Aneurysm. These usually originate in the heart, resulting in an infected and dilated arterial wall. These are rare and represent 0.6% of all aortic aneurysms.
- Dissecting Aneurysm grows and dissects in both the brain and the aorta. Aortic dissection is uncommon and occurs in 5-30 cases per one million people each year.
What are the Symptoms of Arterial Aneurysm?
Some aneurysms develop over many years but often have no symptoms. The symptoms of an aneurysm vary depending on the site of the aneurysm. These include:
- Headache
- Pulsating abdominal mass
- Pain in the abdomen or back
- Blue coloration (cyanosis) of lower extremities
- Vision changes
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Hoarseness
- Swelling in the neck
- Nausea and vomiting
- High-pitched breathing sound
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chest or upper back pain
- Shock (low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, clammy skin, decreased awareness)
What are the Complications of Arterial Aneurysm?
A ruptured aneurysm causes internal bleeding. Depending on the location, the rupture can be life-threatening. A ruptured brain aneurysm causes a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Patients may develop severe headaches, limb weakness, trouble speaking, etc. An aneurysm in the neck can cause a blood clot that travels to the brain. If blood flow to the brain is cut off, it causes a stroke.
Is the Prevalence of Aneurysm More in Males or Females?
Men are 4-6 times more likely than women to have abdominal aortic aneurysms, but women have a higher risk of aneurysm rupture, regardless of size. At a ratio of 3:2, women are slightly more likely to suffer from brain aneurysms than men.
The increased risk of certain aneurysms in women could be due to genetic factors that increase the likelihood of women having weakened blood vessel layers.
Diagnosis of Arterial Aneurysm
Many aneurysms develop without causing any symptoms. The healthcare provider may discover it accidentally during a routine checkup or other screening.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan: A head CT scan can assist in identifying any brain hemorrhage.
- Lumbar puncture (Spinal tap): It is performed if the doctor thinks the patient has a burst brain aneurysm (subarachnoid hemorrhage). The cerebrospinal fluid that circulates in the subarachnoid area is tested for the presence of blood.
- Cerebral angiogram: This is used to locate the aneurysm. During this angiography, a catheter is introduced into a blood artery in the arm or groin and advanced through the channel into the brain. The cerebral artery is then given a dye injection to help radiologists see arterial issues, such as aneurysms, on an X-ray. It is an effective way to find tiny brain aneurysms despite being a more intrusive and risky examination than others (less than 5 mm).
- Computed tomography angiography (CTA) scan: CTA is a more accurate test than a lumbar puncture for assessing blood arteries. CTA combines a CT scan with specialized computer methods and a contrast agent or dye injected into the blood to create pictures of the blood arteries in the brain.
- Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA): MRA also produces pictures of the blood arteries, similar to CTA. This method creates sharp images using a magnetic field and radio wave energy pulses, most frequently in combination with a contrast dye.
Early detection with the correct information can help prevent, detect, and manage an Arterial Aneurysm.
Treatment of Arterial Aneurysm
Medication Options
Since hypertension can weaken an aneurysm and increase the risk of leaking or rupture, the doctor may prescribe calcium channels and beta-blockers. In the case of vasospasm, statins, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), may also be used. Antiplatelet medication can be prescribed in patients who undergo surgery to repair cerebral aneurysms.
Aneurysm rupture can be life-threatening, but fortunately, most can be repaired through minimally invasive techniques.
Aneurysm Embolization and Stent Placement
Vascular embolization is a minimally invasive procedure to treat aneurysms at risk for rupture and bleeding. Using X-ray guidance, interventional radiologists navigate a catheter through the arteries to the aneurysm. The abnormal artery is then filled with small metal coils, blocking blood flow to the aneurysm and preventing the risk of rupture. In some cases, depending on the location of the aneurysm, a graft is used to create an internal bridge (stent) for blood flow, depressurizing the aneurysm and preventing the risk of rupture.
Aortic Aneurysm Endograft Repair
Aortic Endograft Repair is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to treat aortic aneurysms. Interventional radiologists insert endograft (stents covered with impermeable fabric) through a small puncture in the thigh. Under live X-ray guidance, the endograft is positioned to create an internal conduit, or bridge, for blood flow, thereby depressurizing the aneurysm and eliminating the risk of rupture.
Open surgery
In open surgery, a surgeon performs the graft or removes the aneurysm through an incision.
Endovascular coiling
The surgeon inserts multiple coils through a catheter to pack the aneurysm in this procedure. This further reduces blood flow to the aneurysm and eliminates the risk of rupture. This procedure treats cerebral aneurysms.
Microvascular clipping
It is a type of open brain surgery that treats cerebral aneurysms. The surgeon cuts off the blood supply by placing a metal clip at the base of the aneurysm.
How Can the Patient Prevent an Aneurysm?
You can not always prevent an aneurysm, but you can reduce the risk of developing an aneurysm by maintaining a healthy lifestyle which includes:
- A healthy diet
- Regular exercise
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- No smoking
Why Patients Choose India for Arterial Aneurysm Treatment?
Patients from all over the world choose to have their aneurysm treatment in India for various reasons. An essential element is the availability of cutting-edge healthcare facilities and highly qualified medical staff at affordable prices.
India has an edge over other countries due to the following:
- Most of the medical team members in Indian hospitals have earned their training at hospitals in the US, Europe, or other advanced countries.
- The significant majority of medical specialists are proficient in English.
- Large foreign corporations provide cutting-edge medical and diagnostic technologies to many of India's leading hospitals.
- Travelers of all backgrounds can afford first-rate services and luxurious accommodations.
Top Doctors in India Providing Arterial Aneurysm Treatment
- Dr. Sandeep Vaishya: He is a Neurosurgeon with over 22 years of experience. His specialties include intracranial brain tumor surgery, skull base surgery, minimally invasive brain surgery, deep brain stimulation surgery, spine surgery & image-guided neurosurgery, peripheral nerve surgery, and brachial plexus surgery etc.
- Dr. Arun Saroha: He is a renowned Brain & Spine surgeon with an experience of over 14 years. His expertise includes brain tumor surgery, brain aneurysms, spine surgeries, spine instrumentation surgeries, head injuries, etc.
- Dr. Sudhir Tyagi: He is a renowned Neurosurgeon and has an experience of over 25 years. He has expertise in carotid angioplasty, carotid endarterectomy (carotid artery surgery), carotid stenting, cervical and lumbar disk replacement (arthroplasty), cranial base surgery, decompression surgery, and deep brain stimulation (DBS), or brain pacemaker, etc.
- Dr. Navin Chobdar: He is a well-known Vascular Surgeon with over 27 years of experience. His expertise includes the treatment of diseases affecting blood vessels like an aneurysm, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, complex dialysis excess & also corrective diabetic foot surgeries for the prevention of ulcerations in the foot.
- Dr. C. Chandra Sekhar: He is a renowned Vascular Surgeon with over 25 years of experience. His expertise includes vascular surgery, reconstructive microvascular surgery, endovascular Surgery, and endovenous laser ablation of varicose veins.
Conclusion
Your healthcare provider can monitor and treat an aneurysm and reduce its risk of bursting. A ruptured aneurysm is a medical emergency. Immediately seek medical attention if you or someone you know has symptoms. India is one of the most preferred destinations for patients seeking treatment for arterial aneurysms. If you are one of them, make sure to gather all the relevant information for a hassle-free medical trip.
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