Aneurysm Screening & Treatment in Mobile, Alabama
If you’ve been told you may have an aneurysm—or you have risk factors that make aneurysm screening important—getting answers quickly matters. At Vascular Associates of South Alabama, our team provides aneurysm evaluation and treatment planning for patients across Mobile and Mobile County, with a focus on early detection, clear guidance, and modern care in an outpatient setting.
Click here to call 251-410-8272 and schedule an appointment with Vascular Associates of South Alabama.
Aneurysm Care from a Mobile, AL Vascular Specialist
What is an Aneurysm?
An aneurysm is a weak area in the wall of an artery that bulges outward like a small balloon. While aneurysms can form in different arteries, they most commonly occur in the aorta, the body’s main artery carrying blood away from the heart. Aortic aneurysms may develop in the abdomen (abdominal aortic aneurysm, AAA) or the chest (thoracic aortic aneurysm).
Because aneurysms often grow slowly and may cause no obvious symptoms, many people only learn about them through screening or imaging done for another reason. That’s why partnering with a vascular specialist is so important. Our experienced team takes your specific risk factors, imaging results, and overall health into account to determine if you have an aneurysm or are at increased risk of developing one.
Common Aneurysm Risk Factors We See in Mobile County Patients
Aneurysm risk rises with age and is more common in men, especially over age 55. Family history can also increase risk. Other common factors include:
- Smoking
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol
- Atherosclerosis (“hardening of the arteries”)
- Chronic lung disease
- Certain connective tissue disorders
If you recognize these risk factors in your own health history, it may be time to talk with a vascular specialist about aneurysm screening and prevention.
Aneurysm Screening and Diagnosis in Mobile, AL
Early detection is key. Our physicians use modern tools and techniques to help identify aneurysms as early as possible, often starting with vascular ultrasound, a noninvasive test that evaluates blood vessels and can detect enlarged or bulging areas. Ultrasound is commonly recommended for patients with higher risk. Aneurysms are also sometimes found incidentally during CT scans or other imaging performed for unrelated reasons.
At Vascular Associates of South Alabama, diagnostic testing is supported by a state-of-the-art endovascular lab and trained ultrasound specialists, helping patients throughout Mobile and surrounding communities get reliable, accurate evaluations.
Monitoring vs. Repair: How Aneurysm Treatment Decisions Are Made
Aneurysm treatment depends on factors like size, location, growth rate, and whether you’re experiencing symptoms. Many aneurysms—especially when small—can be managed safely with routine monitoring and risk-factor control. This can include recommendations such as blood pressure management, smoking cessation, and appropriate exercise, all aimed at reducing stress on the artery wall and supporting vascular health.
When an aneurysm becomes larger, grows more quickly, causes symptoms, or presents a higher risk of rupture or dissection, your vascular specialist may recommend repair. We weigh clinical guidelines with each patient's unique situation to make an individualized treatment plan.
Advanced Aneurysm Repair Options: Minimally Invasive and Surgical Approaches
Modern aneurysm care often includes two broad approaches:
Endovascular aneurysm repair (minimally invasive)
For many abdominal aortic aneurysms, a minimally invasive approach may be possible. In general, endovascular repair uses a catheter inserted through an artery (often in the groin) to place a stent graft that reinforces the weakened section of the aorta and helps reduce rupture risk. Suitability depends on your anatomy and imaging findings.
Open surgical aneurysm repair
In some cases—depending on aneurysm location, anatomy, or other clinical factors—open surgery may be recommended. Your vascular specialist will explain why one option may be safer or more effective for you, and what to expect before, during, and after treatment.
At Vascular Associates of South Alabama, our vascular surgeons are trained in innovative aneurysm treatment approaches, with care focused on patient needs and appropriate treatment selection.
What to Expect at Your Aneurysm Consultation in Mobile
Your visit typically focuses on investigating your history, determining your current condition, and taking any necessary first steps:
- Review of symptoms, health history, and risk factors
- Vascular imaging (often ultrasound, sometimes additional imaging as needed)
- A straightforward explanation of your aneurysm and your risk profile
- A personalized plan: monitoring schedule, lifestyle and medical risk management, or discussion of repair options
Schedule Aneurysm Evaluation with a Vascular Specialist in Mobile, AL
If you have a known aneurysm, a strong family history, or risk factors like smoking and hypertension, don’t wait to get expert guidance. Vascular Associates of South Alabama welcomes new patients and accepts most major medical insurance plans.
Call us at 251-410-8272 or contact us online to get started.
We're here to help improve your vascular health for a longer and happier life!
FAQ: Aneurysm Treatment in Mobile, AL