Aneurysms were first described by the 16th
century anatomist and physician Vesalius, who
believed they were simply a widening of the
vessel (Collin et al 2009). Although the precise
pathophysiology of aneurysms remains
unclear, in 80% of cases it is associated with
atherosclerosis (Latessa 2002), which causes
weakening of the elastin fibres that form the
skeleton of the smooth muscle of the tunica
media (Sakalihasan et al 2005). This weakens
the muscle wall, and causes remodelling –
changes in shape of a structure, usually
associated with disease (Baxter 2004).
Remodelling associated with aortic aneurysms
causes the wall as well as the lumen of the aorta
to enlarge (Hands et al 2007). Generalised
atherosclerosis almost invariably causes
widespread ischaemia, often limiting the
functioning of vital organs, and is responsible
for co-morbidities, such as coronary artery
disease, that can complicate the care of patients