By By Kelly Quackenbush/The Meridian Star
March 21, 2001
A new, minimally invasive treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysms has debuted at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center (JARMC).
Paul Shaw of Louisville and H.J. Hall of Meridian were the first patients to receive the AneuRx Stent Graft System at JARMC recently.
Drs. Charles Ray and Stephen Tartt had studied the treatment since it was approved by the FDA in 1999. The treatment requires radiological and surgical techniques and a "team effort" from doctors.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm is the 13th leading cause of death in the United States and hits especially hard at older persons. An aneurysm is caused by damaging buildup of plaque on the inside of the artery, a condition called arteriosclerosis, which blocks the flow of blood. The resulting pressure causes a ballooning effect, forming the aneurysm. Death may occur if the aorta is ruptured from the aneurysm.
In most cases there are no symptoms and problems are usually detected through an exam or x-ray. Warning signs may include a strong pulse felt in the abdomen or a slight abdominal or back pain.
According to Tartt, the stent system is a modular device that expands to fit and seal the aorta, providing an unobstructed path for blood flow and reducing the pressure on the aneurysm. The graft is implanted through an artery in the upper thigh and is guided through the aorta by fluoroscope.
Kelly Quackenbush is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail her at kquackenbush@themeridianstar.com.