What is an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm?

Ballooning Artery: An infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm is the dilitation or ballooning of the abdominal aorta below the branches that provide blood to the kidneys. It is believed that the wall of the artery weakens over time from inflammation. This weakening causes the artery to swell. When > 5cm in diameter the risk of rupture and bleeding goes up dramatically. This is life threatening and is typically repaired.

AAA: This an enlargement of the aorta. The normal aortic diameter in this location is 1.8-2.0 CM in size. An aneurysm is typically defined as an enlargement of aorta to double the normal size. The larger the aorta gets the thinner the wall and more likely the risk of rupture.

Lower part: Infra renal aneurysm means it is involving the lower part of the abdominal aorta after it gives rise to the blood vessels supplying the kidneys. Infra renal aneurysms can be generally treated with a stent graft which is implanted going through the artery in the groin. It is thus possible that a major surgery involving opening the abdomen can be avoided.