Early Detection Can Save Your Life

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) occurs when the wall of the aortic artery weakens and begins to bulge. It may continue to enlarge and could rupture if left untreated, leading to severe internal bleeding.

AAA often develops silently but when it ruptures or causes clots and debris within your circulatory system, it can be life-threatening. A quick, painless ultrasound screening can detect this condition early and help you take control of your health.

Who Should Get Screened?

Aortic aneurysms are commonly caused by a breakdown in the proteins that provide structural support to the wall of the aorta. The following risk factors that contribute to this breakdown include:

  • Age: individuals 65+ years old are most likely to develop this condition
  • Gender: men and women (while AAA occurs more in men than women, it is a concern for both)
  • Other Risk Factors: hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), a family history of AAA, smoking, high blood pressure, and/or chronic lung disease

If you have one or multiple risk factors, you should consider getting a AAA screening. For further questions or to schedule a screening, please give the vascular specialists at Trinity Vascular and Endovascular Care a call at (716) 837-2400.

What to Expect During AAA Screening

An abdominal ultrasound is used to screen for and measure the size of an AAA. It is a safe, non-invasive scan that can be done in minutes.

  • Takes less than 30 minutes
  • Performed by licensed professionals
  • Covered by most insurance plans

Medicare Benefit

Medicare offers a free, one-time AAA screening for seniors who qualify as part of their Welcome to Medicare physical during the first year of their enrollment. Men who have smoked in their lifetime or those with a family history of AAA are eligible to take advantage of this benefit.

An ultrasound technician will:

  • Have you lie down on an exam table and get comfortable
  • You may be required to lift your shirt so the technician can access your stomach
  • Apply a clear, cool gel over the skin on your stomach
  • Move a small, handheld wand (transducer) over the gel to capture imaging of your aorta
  • Inform you when the test is complete and wipe away to gel

Our team of expert vascular specialists will discuss the test results with you. Screening may show:

  • No aneurysm – no abnormal widening of your aorta was found. It’s the most common screening result. You likely won’t need any further monitoring for AAA.
  • Aneurysm – a bulge in your abdominal aorta was detected. Our vascular specialists will notify you of the size of the aneurysm found and determine the best course of treatment based on your medical history.

It’s important to schedule your vascular screening with a team of board-certified vascular providers. The skilled team at Trinity Vascular & Endovascular Center are specifically trained in both minimally invasive and traditional techniques, leading to better outcomes and long-term freedom from AAA complications.

Trinity Vascular & Endovascular Center has offices conveniently located throughout Western New York in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Hamburg, and Amherst.

Schedule an Appointment

Take the first step toward comprehensive gynecologic care tailored to your needs. Together, we will make proactive choices that are right for you to ensure that you remain healthy, empowered, and confident.

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Call (716) 837-2400 and our team will help schedule your appointment at a time that works best for you.

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