Peripheral Aneurysm

Overview

Peripheral aneurysm is a bulge in an artery outside your aorta or heart. It’s caused by a weak spot in the artery wall. Most peripheral aneurysms develop behind your knee or in your groin. Some can also appear in the: 

• Arteries that serve your abdominal organs
• Arteries of your arm
• Carotid arteries in your neck 

Peripheral arteries are less likely to burst than aortic arteries. But, without treatment, they can: 

• Break off and move around your body
• Compress surrounding nerves, causing numbness, pain, swelling and tingling
• Develop into blood clots that restrict blood flow  
• Increase your risk of stroke (if they develop in the carotid artery) 

Screening

Your personal or family history of peripheral or aortic aneurysm contributes to your risk of developing this condition. Other risk factors for cardiovascular disease also play a role. These include: 

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Smoking  

Diagnosing Peripheral Aneurysm

Some peripheral aneurysms don’t produce symptoms. They may go undetected or they may show up on an imaging test for something else. If your peripheral aneurysm causes symptoms, the signs can include:  

• Cramping in your legs with exercise
• Pain or numbness in your arms or legs
• Sores on your fingers or toes that won’t heal
• Throbbing lump in your groin, limbs or neck 

To identify and diagnose a peripheral aneurysm, your doctor may recommend one or more of these imaging tests: 

• CT scan
• MRI
• Ultrasound  

Peripheral Aneurysm Treatment

We offer the most comprehensive peripheral aneurysm treatments available. We will base our treatment recommendation on your medical history, imaging results, and the size and location of your aneurysm. Your treatment plan may include one or more of the following: 

Endovascular Coiling 

During this minimally invasive procedure, a surgeon uses a thin tube (catheter) to guide a coil (soft, flexible wire) to your aneurysm, stopping blood flow to it.  

Endovascular Repair 

With this minimally invasive procedure, a surgeon places a metal mesh tube (stent graft) into your artery. It blocks off your aneurysm, allowing your blood to flow past the weak spot in your artery wall.  

Open Surgical Repair  

A surgeon makes an incision and sews a graft around your aneurysm, creating a new path for your blood flow.