Kansas City, KS: A routine X-ray during Gene Hunter's first visit to a chiropractor revealed something he never knew he had a baseball-sized abdominal aortic aneurysm which could have ruptured without warning. Gene and his wife Kathi turned to The University of Kansas Health System, where surgeons repaired the aneurysm through small incisions in his groin. Gene went home the next day. Coming up on All Things Heart, the warning sign the couple initially overlooked, the minimally invasive procedure that helped save Gene's life, and who should be screened for this potentially deadly condition.
Gene Hunter, Patient
An X-ray during Gene’s first chiropractic visit unexpectedly revealed an abdominal aortic aneurysm, despite him feeling healthy and remaining physically active.
Gene said after a minimally invasive repair that took approximately 90 minutes, he went home the following day and described his recovery as easy.
Since the procedure, Gene explains how he changed his eating habits, started exercising regularly and lost approximately 55 pounds.
Gene says he and Kathi initially dismissed a noticeable heartbeat near his belly button; a symptom he now encourages others not to ignore.
Kathi Hunter, Gene's Wife
Kathi describes the fear of learning her husband had a potentially life-threatening aneurysm and being told he needed emergency evaluation.
She says the couple was met by a medical team shortly after arriving, bringing relief after an extremely frightening experience.
She shares how Gene's recovery inspired lasting lifestyle changes, including regular workouts and a return to dancing together on weekends.
Dr. Axel Thors, Vascular Surgeon, The University of Kansas Health System
Dr. Thors explains how an abdominal aortic aneurysm develops when the wall of the body's main artery weakens and expands, potentially rupturing without noticeable symptoms.
He describes the minimally invasive repair, which uses a stent graft inserted through the groin to redirect blood flow away from the aneurysm.
He explains why a patient's anatomy and overall health help determine whether minimally invasive or traditional open surgery is appropriate.
He emphasizes the importance of screening for people with risk factors, particularly a history of smoking, and lifelong monitoring after aneurysm repair.
Dr. Trevor Dorey, Senior Vascular Surgery Fellow, The University of Kansas Health System
Dr. Dorey, explains how smoking, inflammation and other disease processes can weaken the aortic wall, allowing an aneurysm to grow.
He compares minimally invasive repair with traditional open surgery, including the reduced physical stress and shorter hospital stay associated with the less invasive approach.
He describes how CT scans and ultrasounds are used after surgery to make sure the stent graft remains properly positioned and the aneurysm stays excluded from blood flow.
He explains why smaller aneurysms may be monitored rather than immediately repaired and why people with a first-degree relative who has an aneurysm should discuss screening with their doctor.