A Primer on Aortic Aneurysm

A resident of Tampa, Florida, Dr. Hartmuth Bittner is one of the leading heart surgeons in America and the founder of the Gulf Coast Cardiothoracic Surgery Institute. Board-certified in general, cardiac, and thoracic surgery, Dr. Hartmuth Bittner is skilled and experienced at performing a diverse range of procedures including repairing aortic aneurysms.

An aortic aneurysm is an irregular swelling that develops in the body’s main blood vessel, the aorta. This type of aneurysm typically occurs in the abdomen or the chest, although it can occur at any point along the vessel. Some aortic aneurysms remain small, although others can rapidly become larger causing problems such as pain in the chest or back and respiratory symptoms. An aneurysm can lead to additional problems including tears in the lining of the aorta, or it may rupture and cause potentially fatal internal bleeding.

The most common causes of aortic aneurysms include smoking, elevated blood pressure, arterial disease, and injury due to trauma. Genetics may also influence the development of the condition. Treatment for an aortic aneurysm typically involves strengthening the aorta in the section of it that is damaged by surgically placing an artificial tube in this area.