Abdominal aortic
aneurysms (AAA's) are responsible for the death of some 10,000 people each year in the UK
alone. These swellings in the wall of the main aorta are liable to rupture, with massive
blood loss into the abdominal cavity.
The condition is more common in males, with approximately 5% of men over the age of 60
developing them. For the last 40 years the conventional treatment has been to open the
abdomen to remove the diseased portion of the artery, and sew a tube of polyester in its
place. However, the operation is risky for a number of patient groups, requires a long
hospital stay, usually including several days in intensive care. In recent years surgeons
have been developing minimally invasive techniques for the repair of AAA's. This usually
requires a small opening in the leg to obtain access to the femoral artery, and uses an
X-ray unit with image intensifier to monitor the progress of the procedure. Because the
trauma to the patient is less intense, the level of hospital aftercare is considerably
reduced.
We acknowledge the work of all the project team, who include:-
Ellis Developments Ltd, Nottingham: Peter Butcher, Julian Ellis
Pearsalls Implants, Taunton: Liz Buller, Alan McLeod
Anson Medical Ltd, Didcot: Gail Beaton and Peter Phillips
University of Nottingham, Department of Vascular Surgery: Prof. Brian Hopkinson, Waquar Yusuf, Jan Macierewicz.
And to The Department of Health for their support of this project through the MedLINK scheme.