Over time, the weakened area begins to balloon as pulsating blood exerts pressure on it. Some can burst, causing rapid death. If you're over 60, smoke, suffer from atherosclerosis, or have a relative who's had an aneurysm, you should have an annual screening for the problem. Once an aneurysm is discovered, further diagnostic tests should be done to determine the best way to treat it.
Many small aneurysms pose very little danger and are simply monitored annually by ultrasound.
If surgery is necessary, aneurysms can now be repaired using an endovascular graft. The surgeon threads the graft to the site of the aneurysm through a small incision in the leg. It's then expanded, providing an alternative pathway for blood to flow through the abdominal aorta. With a 90 percent success rate, the endovascular graft offers the potential for fewer surgical side effects and a shorter period of recuperation than standard open-abdomen surgery.