The early days of surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Aneurysms of the abdominal aorta, usually due to arteriosclerosis, have been long recognised as presenting a formidable challenge to the surgeon. At first symptomless, the aneurysm then presents as a pulsatile swelling. Once it reaches about 6 cm in diameter, it is at risk of rupture, and this danger increases as the mass gets larger. Untreated, of course, rupture means death from massive haemorrhage.
Ellis
Harold
H
Department of Anatomy, University of London, Guy's Campus, London, SE1 1UL.
D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000266:history* / Q000601:surgery; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D010297:Paris; D013903:Thoracic Surgery / Q000266:history*; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000266:history*