Meet the Experts

Dr. Barry Katzen

Founder & Chief Medical Executive of Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute

Videos

Learning About Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is the clogging of the arteries. Barry Katzen, Founder and Chief Medical Executive at Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute, explains there is a substance called atherosclerotic plaque, which is a lipid based material and has a function on the elevated cholesterol and other factors that cause it. He says as this plaque grows it can narrow the artery. Atherosclerosis has a connection to aneurysm, but it is not the causative factor.

Medications For An Aneurysm

Barry Katzen, Founder and Chief Medical Executive at Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute, says when they offer patients medical therapy, they try to optimize the risk of high blood pressure. He explains if you have treated hypertension you are not really at a higher risk for death if you keep your blood pressure treated. He recommends knowing what your blood pressure is to avoid future problems.

When The Aneurysm Grows Fast

Barry Katzen, Founder and Chief Medical Executive at Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute, explains since 1999 there are devices approved for treating aneurysms from the inside rather than having to make incisions to get to the aneurysm. These are called endovascular approaches or stent grafts. He says the goal of treatment is to exclude the aneurysm from the circulation, so it does not mean to take the aneurysm out, but to make sure it is not going to rupture.

Treating An Aneurysm

Barry Katzen, Founder and Chief Medical Executive at Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute, says most aneurysms do not rupture and many of them are very small. "If you have a small aneurysm in your aorta, we recommend follow-up surveillance, most often with ultrasound," he explains. He points out as the aneurysm gets bigger, he needs a more precise way of evaluating size and that can happen with a CT scan. It is important to seek a doctor to get the treatment recommended.

Learning About Aneurysms

Barry Katzen, Founder and Chief Medical Executive at Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute, says when the artery is dilated two and a half times normal there is a risk of rupture. He points out these aneurysms tend to be localized in the aorta, but it can occur anywhere in the body. "In a woman generally four and a half to five centimeters is something that we would treat, but in a man generally it is like five and a half centimeters and that is related to the size of the artery that you start with," he explains.

DISCLAIMER: The information and opinions expressed in the programs on this channel and website are intended to address specific questions asked or situations described in each particular program, are for educational purposes only, and are not designed to constitute advice or recommendations as to any disease, ailment, or physical condition. You should not act or rely upon any information contained in these programs without seeking the advice of your personal physician or a qualified medical provider. If you have any questions about the information or opinions expressed, please contact your doctor or other medical professional.

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