Dr. Ben Wedro practices emergency medicine at Gundersen Clinic, a regional trauma center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His background includes undergraduate and medical studies at the University of Alberta, a Family Practice internship at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and residency training in Emergency Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
Dr. Lee was born in Shanghai, China, and received his college and medical training in the United States. He is fluent in English and three Chinese dialects. He graduated with chemistry departmental honors from Harvey Mudd College. He was appointed president of AOA society at UCLA School of Medicine. He underwent internal medicine residency and gastroenterology fellowship training at Cedars Sinai Medical Center.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
An aneurysm is an area of a localized
widening (dilation) of a blood vessel. (The word "aneurysm" is
borrowed from the Greek "aneurysma" meaning "a
widening").
What is an aortic aneurysm?
An aortic aneurysm involves the aorta, one of the large arteries through which blood passes from the heart to the rest of the body. The aorta bulges at the site of the aneurysm like a weak spot on an old worn tire.
What are the thoracic and abdominal aorta?
The aorta is first called the thoracic aorta as it
leaves the heart, ascends, arches, and descends through the
chest until it reaches the diaphragm (the partition between
the thorax and abdomen). The aorta is then called the
abdominal aorta after it has passed the diaphragm and
continues down the abdomen. The abdominal aorta ends where
it splits to form the two iliac arteries that go to the
legs.
Where do aortic aneurysms tend to develop?
Aortic aneurysms can develop anywhere along the length
of the aorta. The majority, however, are located along the
abdominal aorta. Most (about 90%) of abdominal aneurysms
are located below the level of the renal arteries, the
vessels that leave the aorta to go to the kidneys. About
two-thirds of abdominal aneurysms are not limited to just
the aorta but extend from the aorta into one or both of the
iliac arteries.
What shape are most aortic aneurysms?
Most aortic aneurysms are fusiform. They are shaped like
a spindle ("fusus" means spindle in Latin) with widening
all around the circumference of the aorta. (Saccular
aneurysms just involve a portion of the aortic wall with a
localized out pocketing).
What's inside an aortic aneurysm?
The inside walls of aneurysms are often lined with a
laminated blood clot that is layered like a piece
of plywood.