Endovascular Repair of Iliac Aneurysm

The common iliac artery begins at the level of the fourth vertebra (the aortic bifurcation) and ends on either side of the sacroiliac joint. The artery then divides down each side into the external and internal iliac arteries. About 4 cm in length and 1 cm in diameter, they run along the psoas muscles and down in front of the sacroiliac joints. The common iliac artery travels through the pelvis and lower limbs.

When the wall is weak and bulges along the iliac artery wall (an aneurysm), the bulge could potentially burst. The uncontrolled bleeding caused by the aneurysm bursting can be life-threatening.

An iliac aneurysm can be caused by trauma from surgery, infection, or atherosclerosis. Patients more prone to iliac aneurysms are 60 or older, male, smoke, have high cholesterol, have high blood pressure, and have a family history of iliac aneurysms. The symptoms most associated with this condition are back pain, groin pain, and lower abdominal pain.

If an iliac aneurysm is suspected in a patient, testing could include a CT scan (computed tomography), an MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging), or angiography.

Close monitoring, lifestyle changes, and medication may be used to control the symptoms of a mild aneurysm. In more severe cases, the physicians at Stanislaus Cardiology may need to perform surgery for repairing the aneurysm. The procedure is minimally invasive and only requires a small incision in the groin.

Call 209-521-9661 to make an appointment at Stanislaus Cardiology.