Rutgers Health has an aneurysm program through the New Jersey Vascular Center that specializes in early identification and treatment of aneurysms to prevent ruptures and save lives. We are a leader in New Jersey for aneurysm treatment, and our successes place us as one of the top programs in the nation for innovative endovascular repairs on complex aneurysms.

Our program takes a multidisciplinary approach to aneurysm repair, often combining the expertise of Rutgers Health cardiothoracic and vascular surgical teams. We carefully assemble teams of experienced anesthesiologists, surgeons, critical care specialists, nurses, and ancillary staff. That helps us offer the best opportunities for successful repair, recovery, and long-term follow-up.

An aneurysm is an enlargement of a blood vessel that results from weakness in the blood vessel wall. Arterial aneurysms can occur in any artery, but most commonly in the aorta, the main artery of the abdomen and chest. The problem can also occur in the brain and legs. Most aneurysms are asymptomatic until rupturing. When aneurysms rupture, they cause life-threatening bleeding.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

Traditional surgery for an AAA occurs via a surgical incision in the abdomen. Surgeons will open the aneurysm and replace it with an artificial tube in the artery above and below the aneurysm.

A minimally invasive procedure called endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is also an option. In EVAR, we place a stent-graft inside the aneurysm to avoid blood circulation. The major advantages of EVAR include avoiding major surgery, shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery. Most patients stay overnight in the hospital and are back to normal activity within a week.

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA)

A TAA rupture can be more dangerous than AAA. Traditional TAA surgery occurs via incisions in the sternum or left chest. For some patients, however, we are able to use a minimally invasive option with thoracic aortic graft devices.

Thoracoabdominal Aneurysm Repair

The most complex and dangerous of all aneurysms the thoracoabdominal aneurysm affects the thoracic and abdominal aortas. Our surgical technique for repair leverages our significant experience in performing procedures that combine open surgical and endovascular techniques.

We also treat other types of aneurysms including:

• Iliac artery
• Intra-abdominal
• Popliteal (in the arteries behind the knees)

Physicians who serve the Rutgers Health Aneurysm program are on the faculty of Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, a part of Rutgers University, one of the top research institutions in America. Our doctors are active in research and teach about all aspects of aneurysm and vascular medicine. Each brings leading-edge knowledge from the classroom to the exam room.

If you or a loved one have an aneurysm or are seeking treatment for an aneurysm rupture, the Rutgers Health Aneurysm program can provide the best possible treatment.