New Procedure Reduces Risk and Recovery Time for Abdominal Surgery

Chances are, you don't think of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) as a leading health risk. But Henry Tripp, MD, chief cardiovascular surgeon at the Heart Center of the Piedmont, warns that it's serious indeed.

"This aneurysm is a bulging or ballooning of the aorta," he said. "If it ruptures, patients usually die before surgery can be performed. You may be surprised to know that it's the fifteenth leading cause of death in the United States, and it's tenth among men age 55 and older.

Traditional AAA treatment requires extensive surgery with a substantial recovery time. Now Dr. Tripp can repair this aneurysm by making small incisions and placing a stent in the aorta wall to strengthen it. "Recovery time is shorter, and there's less chance for complications," he said. "And people can resume normal activities much more quickly."

People with high blood pressure, smokers, and those with a family history of aneurysms have the highest risk of AAA, and should be screened regularly since there may be no easily identifiable symptoms.

"Since this condition is so dangerous, it's especially meaningful that this new surgery is available here at Danville Regional," said Dr. Tripp. "The hospital, and Kathy Dalton, Director of Surgical Services, have assembled such a talented team for the Heart Center that we can bring innovative procedures such as this to the Dan River Region." If you believe you are at risk or would like to be screened, please call your primary care physician.