As a nurse, I get asked this question frequently: Why is an angioplasty an incorrect treatment for an aneurysm? First, we need to know what is an aneurysm and what is an angioplasty.
What is an Aneurysm?
An aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel due to a weakness in the vessel wall. An aneurysm can affect all vessels, but it mainly affects more arteries than veins.
The most common aneurysm occurs in the brain and abdomen.
Risk factor for aneurysm include:
- High blood pressure
- Increased alcohol use
- Trauma to the head
- Illicit drugs
- Cigarette smoking.
What is Angioplasty?
Angioplasty is a nonsurgical procedure used to open up a clogged or narrow artery due to plaque.
The procedures involve introducing a balloon tipped catheter into the arteries. Once in the artery, the balloon is inflating to “open up” the clogged artery.
The balloon presses the plague against the artery wall which widens up the lumen of the artery. Therefore, the artery is widened and the blood can flow freely.
Why is an Angioplasty an Incorrect Treatment for an Aneurysm?
Angioplasty is an incorrect treatment for an aneurysm because an angioplasty would dilate an already dilated vessel and cause it to burst.
The treatment for an aneurysm depends on the severity. It also depends on the location and the size, If the aneurysm is about to burst or it has burst, surgery has to be done.
The most common surgical procedure done to an aneurysm is “clipping”. Clipping involves the closing off of the aneurysm.
Stenting is also a common way to treat aneurysms. The main thing to take away is if you have an aneurysm, you need to have frequent follow-ups.
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My name is Phyllis Robinson MSN, RN. I have been a Registered Nurse for 27 years in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. I am passionate about cardiac care and heart disease. I also want this blog to be an educational tool that people can refer to for traditional and alternative treatment. I will blog on heart disorders such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and high cholesterol.
I received my Nursing degree from Baltimore Community College.
I went on to receive my Masters in Nursing from Walden University
I have worked for almost 30 years in Critical Care with a focus on heart health. I am an advocate of preventive healthcare.
You have a Typo you say “surgery has to be down.” But you meant ‘done’ I think not ‘down’
You are correct! Thank you I have fixed it.