83-year-old man saved by minimally invasive surgery for ruptured aortic aneurysm

An 83-year-old man has a new lease on life after a successful minimally invasive surgery to repair a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. The patient, identified only by his surname Liao, experienced sudden, severe abdominal pain, accompanied by backaches and cold sweats. Initially mistaking his symptoms for a gastrointestinal issue, he was rushed to Chiayi Christian Hospital where an emergency CT scan revealed the critical rupture.

Doctors described the abdominal aorta as the body's largest blood vessel, likening an aneurysm to a "hidden bomb" within the body. A rupture can lead to massive internal bleeding, with mortality rates as high as 80-90%. The condition is more common in men, smokers, and individuals with high blood pressure. Sudden changes in atmospheric pressure and temperature can also increase blood pressure fluctuations, raising the risk of rupture.

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The abdominal aorta is the largest blood vessel in the human body. When the vessel wall expands into an aneurysm due to long-term pressure, it is like a hidden bomb in the body. Once it ruptures and causes massive bleeding, the mortality rate reaches 80 to 90%.

Cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Guo Jun-ting explained that traditional surgery for such a rupture carries high risks of blood loss and potential damage to the renal arteries. However, a minimally invasive approach using a stent graft proved successful. Despite challenges, including managing the patient's blood pressure during the procedure, the team managed to insert a bifurcated stent to seal the leak. Mr. Liao has since recovered well and is living a normal life, expressing gratitude to the medical team.

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The danger of abdominal aortic aneurysms lies in the fact that patients usually don't feel anything. People should try to avoid smoking and control the 'three highs' (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol) to prevent rupture.