Open and Endovacular Surgery of an Aortic Aneurysm - patient information to assist informed consent
This RACS patient education pamphlet provides information on surgery to treat an aortic aneurysm. The topics discussed include:
•Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and thoracic aortic aneurysm
•Symptoms and signs of an aortic aneurysm
•Risk factors of an aortic aneurysm, including age, family history and hypertension
•Diagnosis of an aortic aneurysm, including mention of computed tomography (CT) and MRI
•Endovascular stent graft repair (EVAR) and its benefits compared to open surgery
Various surgical methods are described for patients needing treatment of an abdominal aortic aneurysm or a thoracic aortic aneurysm. The surgical techniques described include:
•Open surgery to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
•EVAR of an abdominal aortic aneurysm
•EVAR of a thoracic aortic aneurysm
•Open surgery to repair a thoracic aneurysm of the aorta
This leaflet can be a useful tool for patients as the benefits, risks and limitations of surgery are discussed in detail. The possible complications of surgery are listed on page 4 to assist the informed-consent process.
Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. The surgical treatment of an aortic aneurysm is described in plain English to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS patient information brochures are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets.