Patient Stories

Life Uninterrupted: An Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Active and athletic, Robert Longman had no signs or symptoms of his growing abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The 77-year-old walked everyday for three miles with his wife, Susan, along Biscayne Bay near their Miami Shores home. He was busy with community functions and his family of 12 grown children and 21 grandchildren.

Mr. Longman’s expanding aneurysm was discovered in 2007 when he was being treated for a kidney stone. The aneurysm was located in his abdominal aorta, which carries oxygen rich blood away from the heart and supplies it to the lower part of the body.

The pressure from blood flowing through Mr. Longman’s aorta produced a weakened area, causing the aorta to expand and bulge, much like a balloon. Aneurysms are a health risk because they can burst or rupture. A ruptured aneurysm can cause severe internal bleeding, leading to shock or even death.

After a period of “watchful waiting,” Mr. Longman’s aneurysm was treated with an endovascular stent graft. Unlike an open repair that involves abdominal surgery, the minimally invasive procedure is performed inside the artery using long, thin tubes called catheters that are threaded through the blood vessels.

“I was very concerned. I hadn’t had any type of major medical procedure since I broke my leg playing football in 1949,” said Mr. Longman. “But I had the utmost confidence in Dr. Katzen. He is such a good person and really takes time with his patients.” Dr. Katzen is medical director of Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute and pioneer endovascular repairs for AAA. (something like this that shows he is a leader in this type of procedure)

During the procedure, Dr. Katzen used live X-ray pictures viewed on a video screen to guide a fabric and metal tube, or endograft, through the catheters to the site of the aneurysm. Once in place, the graft strengthens the weak part of the aorta. “I couldn’t ask for a procedure to go any smoother,” said Mr. Longman. “I was in the hospital for one night and able to go home the next day. Everyone at the hospital was wonderful. All of the information that Dr. Katzen provided me about the recovery period was true. I knew exactly what to expect.” Mr. Longman has returned to his normal, high-energy, activity level, including his long daily walks and visits with his grandchildren. “I believe the secret to staying young is to stay busy and active,” said Mr. Longman.
 

Return to list