Aneurysms in the abdominal aorta -- bulges in the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body -- can be life-threatening. Aneurysms can be detected using imaging techniques such as x-ray, echocardiography, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. All of these imaging procedures are available at NYU Medical Center, including the Noninvasive Cardiology and Vascular Laboratories.

The vascular surgery and interventional radiology group at NYU Medical Center has the largest experience in North America for endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Endoluminal grafting is a new treatment we offer that reduces the risk of aneurysm rupture and returns patients to their normal activities within days. An endoluminal graft is a supportive mesh of synthetic fabric and metal stent that can provide vital support to a weakened aorta. Using x-ray guidance, the doctor first inserts a catheter holding the unexpanded graft into the patient's femoral artery, and advances it to the site of the aneurysm. Once there, he places the graft within the weakened part of the aorta and expands it to hold it in place. The graft provides a new avenue for blood flow, bypassing the aneurysm.

In a survey of 300 hospitals in New York State, NYU Medical Center's Division of Vascular Surgery had the lowest mortality rate. NYU Medical Center was the only hospital to have a three-star rating in a report card on New York State Hospital Performance, released on November 27, 2002. This high rating is attributed to the division's low mortality rate for abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, which is well below the state average.

NYU Resources

Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery

Interventional Radiology and Endovascular Surgery

Minimally Invasive Vascular Surgery

Noninvasive Cardiology Laboratory

Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory

Other Resources on the Web

American Heart Association

Society of Interventional Radiology

Society for Vascular Surgery

Vascular Web Patient Information