Surviving a ruptured aneurysm is difficult and sometimes leads to death. The only way is to prolong the lifespan by following the instructions provided by the surgeon. It is in rare cases that people suffer from a rupture. However, doctors are still unable to link the development of an aneurysm and for whom it can be a threat.
An aneurysm is a situation where there is a growth of swelling or bulge in an aortic vessel. The universal locations for the formation of an aneurysm are the abdominal region and the brain. Nonetheless, it can develop in any part of the body.
Can You Survive A Ruptured Aneurysm?
When there is a rupture, the doctor immediately opts for surgery to stop the leakage of the blood to the surroundings and prevent further damage to the nerves and blood vessels. The procedure of the operation includes:
Open Repair – A system where the surgeon places a metal clip at the base of an aneurysm to stop the flow of the blood into the same. It will thus reduce the pressure exerted by the blood flow and helps in free movement.
Endovascular Repair – The procedure requires the doctor to make an incision and introduce a catheter tube along the incision to the location of an aneurysm. The doctor will remove the damaged part and replace it with the tube. The tube acts as a channel, ensures free flow of the blood, and keeps it away from the damaged location to prevent formation of an aneurysm in the future.
Risk Factors
As operation is the only method to survive a ruptured aneurysm, risk factors too come along with the same. These include post-operation trauma, shock, and in rare case, internal bleeding to the fracture of the tube. To prevent such occurrences, the doctor retains the patient in the hospital for a minimum of two weeks. It can prolong depending on how the patient is recovering from the surgery.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Although the survival rate is high, the figures fluctuate depending on the overall health of the patient. When detected in its initial stage and operated, diagnosis makes all the difference. Doctors choose MRI, CT scan, angiography and X-ray to find the presence of the same. The results also provide information related to the location, shape, and size.
The size of an aneurysm is another reason why a doctor recommends immediate surgery. If the size exceeds 5 centimeters in diameter, then the individual requires an operation. However, the doctor will consider additional factors such as the age of the patient, the gender, the race, the overall health, family history of aneurysms, blood pressure, and smoking habits.
Based on these characteristics, the physician will decide whether to opt for the surgery or not, as in a few situations, the surgery can lead to death because of the high risks associated with the same.
In case the aneurysm size is below 5 centimeters, then the physician will choose medicines and a treatment plan according to the overall health of the patient. It includes a change in the diet plan, inclusion of exercises, and procedures that will help in reducing and quitting smoking. The doctor further refers the patient to a therapist to ensure that the slow reduction of tobacco does not pose a threat to the overall health and the existing aneurysm.
Symptoms
Although doctors could not come up with specific signs that help in recognizing the presence of an aneurysm, the following symptoms are present across all the patients who are suffering from ruptured aneurysm:
- A severe headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain.
