Abdominal Aortic aneurysm
An aneurysm is an abnormal dilation of an artery. It can occur anywhere in the body but most commonly affects the aorta, the main artery in the body that runs from the chest down to the abdomen. There may be underlying disease conditions or increased risk due to family history but many aortic aneurysms go undetected and are at risk of rupture which is life-threatening. The NHS offers ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm to men between the ages of 60 and 75 but it is possible that others outside these age groups may also benefit from scanning to detect the early stages of an aneurysm.
Dr Harding undertakes the full range of non-invasive scanning techniques for abdominal aortic aneurysm ranging including ultrasound, CT and MRI. Specialist CT techniques are used for planning treatment for the aneurysm, whether this may be with open surgery or minimally invasive image guided treatment with endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). CT is also often used in the initial phase following up patients who have already had an aneurysm treated.
If an aneurysm has not been picked up early and ruptures, emergency surgery carries a very high mortality and many of those suffering a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm may not even make it to hospital. This demonstrates the importance of early detection and a planned approach to treatment.
Dr Harding works closely with a number of specialist Vascular Surgeons locally and will gladly arrange an appropriate referral for you to a suitable colleague should this be required.
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