What is Embolisation for Mesenteric Artery Aneurysms
A mesenteric artery aneurysm is a condition where a section of the artery that supplies blood to your intestines weakens and bulges. These aneurysms in the aortic wall are relatively rare but can pose significant health risks if left untreated. The most serious complication is a rupture, which can lead to severe abdominal pain and life-threatening internal bleeding. Although many individuals with mesenteric artery aneurysms may not exhibit symptoms, the risk of rupture necessitates careful monitoring and, in some cases, proactive treatment such as embolisation for mesenteric artery aneurysms, which is assisted by interventional radiology.
Embolisation is a minimally invasive interventional radiology medical procedure used to treat mesenteric artery aneurysms. The procedure involves inserting tiny, soft coils or particles into the affected artery to block blood flow to the aneurysm. This technique effectively reduces the pressure on the aneurysm, causing it to shrink over time. The ultimate goal of embolisation is to prevent a burst aneurysm, thereby reducing the risk of severe complications.
ABOUT
DIAGNOSIS
PROCEDURE
RECOVERY
RISKS
BENEFITSWhy Would My Doctor Recommend Embolisation?
Your healthcare provider may recommend finding a doctor to perform embolisation for your aortic aneurysm for several reasons:
Rapid Growth of the Aneurysm
Aneurysms that expand quickly are at a higher risk of rupture. If your aneurysm is growing at a concerning rate, embolisation might be recommended to stabilise it and prevent a burst aneurysm.
Symptomatic Aneurysms
While many aneurysms are asymptomatic, some can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, or changes in bowel habits. These symptoms indicate that the aneurysm might be affecting nearby structures or that it is at risk of rupture.
High Risk of Rupture
The risk of an aneurysm rupturing depends on factors such as its size, location, and the patient’s overall health. If your aneurysm is deemed to be at high risk of rupturing, embolisation can be an effective way to mitigate this risk.
Embolisation using interventional radiology is often favoured over traditional open surgery because it is less invasive, offers a quicker recovery time, and carries a lower risk of complications.
Wondering If You Qualify for Embolisation for Mesenteric Artery Aneurysm
Preparing for the Procedure
Proper preparation is essential to ensure the success of the embolisation procedure. Before the procedure, your doctor will perform a comprehensive examination and may order imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, to assess the size and location of the aneurysm. These imaging studies help the medical team plan the procedure with precision.
In the days leading up to the embolisation and aneurysm repair procedure, you may be asked to:
Fasting
Depending on the timing of your procedure, you may need to refrain from eating or drinking for a specified period. This helps reduce the risk of complications during the procedure.
Adjust Medications
Certain medications, particularly blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs, may need to be temporarily discontinued to reduce the risk of bleeding. Your vascular surgeon will give you specific instructions regarding which medications to stop and when to resume them.
Arrange Transportation
Since the procedure involves sedation, you won’t be able to drive yourself home afterward. Make arrangements for someone to accompany you to the hospital and take you home after the procedure.
The Endovascular Aneurysm Repair and Embolisation Procedure
Embolisation for the inferior or superior mesenteric artery is performed in a hospital setting by an interventional radiologist, a specialist trained in minimally invasive procedures, and a vascular surgeon. The aneurysm repair procedure is typically completed under X-ray guidance, allowing the doctor to see the blood vessels and accurately position the embolisation materials.
Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:
Sedation
To ensure your comfort, you’ll receive sedation. Depending on the specifics of your case, this could range from light sedation to general anaesthesia.
Accessing the Artery
A small incision is made in your groin area, and a thin catheter (a flexible tube) is inserted into your femoral artery. This catheter is then carefully guided through your blood vessels to reach the site of the aneurysm.
Embolisation and Endovascular Repair Process
Once the catheter is in place, tiny coils or particles are released into the abdominal aorta through the catheter to block the blood flow to the aneurysm. These materials cause the blood to clot within the aortic aneurysms, effectively sealing it off from the rest of the circulatory system.
Completion
After the embolisation is complete, the catheter is withdrawn, and the small incision in your groin is closed with a bandage or a few stitches. The entire procedure to seal off your mesenteric aneurysm usually takes between 1 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity of the aneurysm.
Recovery from Mesenteric Aneurysm Embolisation
Recovery from embolisation is generally quick, especially compared to more invasive surgical procedures for aneurysm repair. Most patients can return home within 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. However, it’s important to follow your doctor’s post-procedure instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery.
You might experience some mild discomfort, bruising, or swelling at the incision site. These symptoms are usually temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. It’s also normal to feel a bit tired for a few days as your body recovers from the procedure.
Your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the progress of the aneurysm and ensure that it is shrinking as expected. In some cases, additional imaging studies may be required to assess the success of the embolisation.
Benefits of Embolisation Using Interventional Radiology
Embolisation performed with the assistance of an interventional radiologist with the Interventional Radiology Society of Australasia offers several advantages over traditional open surgery:
Minimally Invasive
The interventional radiology procedure requires only a small incision, resulting in less tissue damage and a quicker recovery than with traditional open surgical repair.
Lower Risk of Complications
Because embolisation assisted by interventional radiology is less invasive, there is a reduced risk of complications such as infection, bleeding, or damage to surrounding organs.
Shorter Recovery Time
Patients typically recover faster and can return to their normal activities more quickly than after open surgery.
Less Post-Procedure Pain
Most patients experience less pain and discomfort after embolisation compared to traditional surgery for aortic aneurysms.
High Success Rate
While there are risks with any surgical procedure, embolisation assisted by interventional radiology is a highly effective treatment for mesenteric artery aneurysms, with a success rate that rivals that of open surgery.
How Long Until I See Results?
It’s important to understand that the aneurysm may not shrink immediately after the procedure. It often takes several weeks or even months for the aneurysm to stabilise and reduce in size. During this time, regular follow-up appointments with your doctor are crucial to monitor the aneurysm’s progress and ensure that the embolisation has been successful.
Your doctor will discuss the timeline for recovery and the expected outcomes during your follow-up visits, helping you understand the long-term benefits of the procedure.
Embolisation for mesenteric artery aneurysms is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment option that can prevent serious complications such as rupture. By choosing embolisation, you are opting for an interventional radiology procedure that offers a quicker recovery, fewer risks, and a high likelihood of success. If you have been diagnosed with a mesenteric artery aneurysm, discuss with your healthcare provider whether embolisation is the right treatment option for you and find an interventional radiologist in Australia or New Zealand today.
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FAQs
What are the risks associated with embolisation for mesenteric artery aneurysm?
While embolisation assisted by interventional radiology is generally considered safe, like any medical procedure, it carries some risks. Potential complications include bleeding at the catheter insertion site, infection, and allergic reactions to the contrast dye used during the procedure. In rare cases, the embolisation materials could migrate to unintended areas, potentially blocking blood flow to healthy tissues. However, these risks are minimised by the expertise of the interventional radiologist performing the procedure and the use of advanced imaging technology to support the aneurysm repair process.
How long does the embolisation aneurysm repair procedure take?
The duration of the embolisation procedure typically ranges from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the aneurysm. The procedure includes the time needed for sedation, catheter insertion, navigation to the aneurysm, and the actual embolisation process. After the procedure, you’ll spend some time in a recovery area before being discharged, usually within 24 to 48 hours.
Will I need to stay in the hospital after embolisation?
Most patients can go home the same day or within 24 to 48 hours after this interventional radiology procedure. However, the exact length of your hospital stay will depend on your individual circumstances, including how well you recover from the sedation and whether there are any complications arising from the aneurysm repair. Your doctor will provide specific discharge instructions based on your condition and the complexity of the procedure.
How should I prepare for the embolisation procedure?
To prepare for embolisation, your doctor will give you specific instructions. These may include fasting (not eating or drinking) for a certain period before the procedure, stopping certain medications that could increase bleeding risk, and arranging for someone to drive you home afterward. You should also inform your doctor of any allergies, especially to contrast dye or iodine, and any medications or supplements you are taking.
What is the success rate of embolisation for treating mesenteric artery aneurysms?
Embolisation performed by an interventional radiologist with the IRSA is highly successful in treating mesenteric artery aneurysms, with success rates comparable to or even exceeding those of traditional open surgery. The procedure effectively reduces the risk of bursting any aortic aneurysms and can stabilise or shrink the aneurysm over time. Regular follow-up appointments with your doctor are essential to monitor the aneurysm’s progress and ensure the long-term success of the treatment.