Private Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm AAA Screening

Ultrasound imaging is a non-ionising and non-invasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. It is safe and painless. It produces pictures of the inside of the body using sound waves. Ultrasound imaging is also called sonography. It uses a small probe called a transducer and gel placed directly on the skin. High-frequency sound waves travel from the probe through the gel into the body. The probe collects the sounds that bounce back. A computer uses those sound waves to create an image. Ultrasound exams do not use radiation (No x-rays). Because ultrasound captures images in real-time, it can show the structure and motion of the body organs. Thanks to new additions as microflow can detect minor inflammations. Ultrasound images of the musculoskeletal system provide pictures of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves and soft tissues throughout the body.

AAA is short name of “Abdominal aortic aneurysm” . According to NHS Ultrasound screening is a way of checking if there is a bulge or swelling in the Aorta- the main blood vessel that runs from your heart down through your tummy.

The aorta is the largest artery in your body. It runs from your heart all the way down your abdomen, and it carries blood around your body from your heart.

Sometimes, the aorta develops a swelling, or a bulge called an aneurysm, which can be life-threatening if it’s not caught early.

Since an AAA very often causes no discomfort or obvious symptoms, it can remain undetected for a long time.

Our AAA screening service allows us to identify an AAA and monitor it from an early stage.

AAA screening puts you in control of what’s going on in your tummy.

If the scan identifies an AAA, you can monitor its progress and discuss surgical treatment options if there’s a risk of the aneurysm rupturing.

If no AAA is identified, then the screen gives you some reassurance and peace of mind.

In England, AAA screening is routinely offered to men once they turn 65. This is because men aged 65 and over are most at risk of developing an AAA.

Others at an increased risk of an AAA include:

• Men or women with a parent, child, or sibling who also has an AAA
• Patients with high blood pressure
• Smokers and ex-smokers

Men under the age of 65 and women are typically less likely to develop an AAA, but if you’re concerned and haven’t been offered a scan, you can request one.

Following are the risks of developing AAA.

• Age – All male more than 65 and females more than 70 years of age are advised and encouraged to have aortic screening done.
• Hypertension,
• Coronary artery heart disease, cerebrovascular and peripheral arterial disease.
• Family history of AAA
• Smokers
• Lung diseases as Asthma and Bronchiectasis.
• High lipid levels
• People of European origin are considered at higher risk of developing AAA

If there is AAA, increases the chances of busting the aortic aneurysm which can lead to loss of body blood and risk of death.

Early detection is advisable for timely Management.

Ultrasound is the safest and most readily available screening modality. If on ultrasound screening abdominal aortic aneurysm is detected, then further referral to the Specialist Centre can be made for monitoring/ treatment.

Sonorad ultrasound uses height technology for the detection of the abdominal aortic aneurysm.

If the abdominal aorta is less than 3 cm right this means it is not enlarged and this is most of the case in examinations. And may not need further monitoring or treatment.

Abdominal aorta more than 3 cm and up to 4.4 cm is considered small AAA. There is no need for any treatment at this stage as the chances of AAA persisting are small.

An aortic bulge between 4.5 cm to 5.4 cm is considered medium AAA. Patient. Not required treatment at this stage as the chance of busting is small.

An aortic aneurysm which measures 5.5cm or more is considered large AAA. About 0.1% of men have a large AAA. At this stage, it's advisable to stop it from getting bigger and busting. There are risks of surgery, but these are generally smaller than the risk of not treating the aneurysm.

For more information please read: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm-screening/

Fasting for 8-12 hours before the examination is advised.
Drink water as little as you can. Please call us to have further advice.
It is also advisable to avoid tobacco and caffeine before the test.

Ultrasound examination is painless and takes about 30 minutes slot to complete.

Please wear loose clothing. You may be asked to change your clothing with clinic gown for the test.

Radiologists can go through the scan most of the time. If there is something not clear or indeterminate, the radiologist might ask you to come again or advise further tests or referral for more clarification. 

We operate our clinic from Manor Park Medical Centre, 2 Lerwick Drive, Slough, Berkshire SL1 3XU. Please note we are not part of Manor Park Medical Centre but use the premises.

We have people travel to us from many miles around Berkshire including Windsor, Hayes, High Wycombe, Ascot, Marlow, Hounslow, Uxbridge, West Drayton, Maidenhead, Staines, Oxford, Richmond, Twickenham and West London.