The aorta is the body's main artery, carrying blood from the heart to the chest, abdomen and legs. When its wall weakens and bulges, the condition is called an aneurysm. Most aneurysms cause no symptoms until they are large, which is why they are often found on a scan done for another reason. Sudden severe back, chest or abdominal pain needs emergency care.

A vascular surgeon in Mumbai at Apex uses CT angiography to measure the aneurysm and decide between regular monitoring, open surgery and endovascular repair. Small aneurysms are watched, and repair is advised when the size or growth rate raises the risk of rupture. Risks include bleeding, kidney strain, heart and lung complications, and the need for further procedures.

Care in this subspecialty includes:

• Assessment and Monitoring: Regular scans and blood pressure control for aortic aneurysms that are not yet large enough for repair, so that growth is noticed early.
• Open Aortic Repair: Replacement of the weakened segment with a fabric graft for suitable patients, with careful assessment of heart, lung and kidney fitness beforehand.
• Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR): Placement of a stent graft through the groin arteries where the anatomy allows, avoiding a large incision and shortening recovery.
• Long-Term Follow-Up Scans: Planned imaging after repair to check that the graft is holding and that no leak or new bulge has developed.