Vascular Clinic

What Are Visceral Aneurysms?

Visceral aneurysms are aneurysms that occur in the arteries supplying blood to the internal organs.

These include:

These aneurysms are relatively rare, and most are discovered incidentally during imaging for unrelated issues. Because they rarely cause symptoms until rupture, early identification is critical. Occasionally, patients may feel vague abdominal pain, but most have no warning signs.

At Vascular Clinic, we explain exactly:

Diagnosing and Monitoring Visceral Aneurysms

Most visceral aneurysms are found during CT scans, or ultrasounds performed for other reasons. Once discovered, we:

Confirm the diagnosis using high-resolution vascular imaging (CT angiography)
Assess aneurysm size, shape, and location
Determine the risk of rupture and candidacy for repair
Begin surveillance with serial imaging and clinic visits if the aneurysm is small and stable

Surveillance allows us to track growth and time intervention appropriately, before any complications occur.

When Is Treatment Needed?

We consider treatment when:

Minimally Invasive Treatment Options

Whenever possible, we use endovascular techniques, which allow us to treat the aneurysm through a small puncture in the groin or arm—avoiding large incisions and lengthy recovery.

Endovascular Techniques Include:

Coil Embolization: Metal coils are placed inside the aneurysm to clot it off and prevent rupture (commonly used for splenic artery aneurysms).
Covered Stent Grafting: A stent with an inner graft lining is used to reroute blood flow through the artery, excluding the aneurysm.
Coil Embolization and stent placement: Combination techniques for complex branch aneurysms, such as in the renal arteries or mesenteric vessels.

Key Advantages:

Each technique is chosen based on your unique anatomy and aneurysm characteristics.

Surgical Repair: When Endovascular Isn’t Enough

In certain cases—such as complex anatomy, rupture, or failed endovascular access—open surgical repair is required. This may involve:

Though less common today, our vascular surgeons are fully trained and experienced in open repair techniques when necessary. We’ll explain the need for surgery clearly and guide you through every step.

What to Expect

Before Treatment:

Imaging review and risk assessment
Clinic consultation to discuss treatment plan
Blood tests or additional imaging if needed

During the Procedure:

Most endovascular cases are done with local anesthesia and mild sedation
Procedure length varies by location and technique
Small puncture access (groin or arm)

After Treatment:

Usually one night stay in the hospital for observation
Return to activity within a few days for endovascular repair
Continued imaging surveillance and clinic visits to ensure long-term success and stability

Frequently Asked Questions

Are visceral aneurysms dangerous?

They can be. While many remain stable, some can rupture unexpectedly—especially splenic or mesenteric aneurysms. That’s why timely diagnosis and careful planning are essential.

How do you decide which treatment to use?

We assess your artery, aneurysm size, shape, and location to determine whether embolization, stent grafting, or surgery is most appropriate.

Will I need long-term follow-up?

Yes. We schedule serial imaging and routine clinic visits to monitor for regrowth, new aneurysms, or rare complications.

Is recovery easier with endovascular treatment?

Yes. Most patients recover rapidly after coil embolization or stent graft placement, with minimal downtime and low risk of complications.

Why Choose Vascular Clinic?

Expertise in Rare and Complex Aneurysms
Minimally Invasive Endovascular Specialists
Customized Approach for Each Artery and Aneurysm
Onsite Imaging, Diagnosis, and Long-Term Surveillance
Compassionate, Clear Communication at Every Step

Whether your aneurysm is in the spleen, liver, kidneys, or intestines, you’ll receive personalized care from a team that specializes in precise, minimally invasive solutions.