Coming to see us for an AAA (Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm) scan is the first step towards finding out if you are at risk and getting the right treatment if you need it.
The scan will help you find out if you have any widening (aortic aneurysm) of your abdominal aorta and if you do, we will advise you about your lifestyle, diet and any treatment that may be appropriate for you.
You may feel nervous about your scan, but we don’t want you to worry. Our experienced staff are friendly and approachable, and can answer any questions that you may have.
We’re here to help.
Preparing to visit us.
We want to make sure that you are fully informed – so please do call us if you have any questions before your appointment. If you’ve got a question, we answer it. If certain medical terms aren’t clear, we explain them. If you’d like to bring a friend, no problem.
At your appointment, you will meet your healthcare professional who will perform your AAA scan. They will be with you through the whole process, from explaining the scan and answering your questions beforehand, to performing the actual scan.
Before you come to us, you can eat and drink as normal and take any prescribed medicine you’d normally take. We need to get as clear a scan image as possible. So, if you can, wear loose clothing that enables easy access to your abdomen.
If you have any disabilities or special needs, please call us, and we will make sure your needs are met.
Some couches or beds have a weight limit for safe use, which is usually between 110 and 130Kg (about 20 stone). If you feel this may be a problem, please contact us and we can make arrangements that have your safety and comfort in mind. Also, if you think you may be pregnant,
please contact us as we may not be able to perform the scan.
On the day.
When you arrive for your appointment we’ll check your name, date of birth and address. Your healthcare professional will explain what will happen in the scan and go through any questions you may have.
If necessary, your healthcare professional may ask you to change into a gown for the scan. This will only be if an article of clothing could interfere with the scan.
May we have your permission?
At your appointment, we will ask you to sign a consent form to show that you agree to the procedure and fully understand what will happen and that your results will also be sent to your GP. You are free to ask any questions you want, to ensure that you are comfortable with everything before you sign.
What happens during the scan?
You will have an ultrasound scan and your appointment will take about 15 minutes, but the actual scan only takes two minutes.
You will be lying on the couch or bed and your healthcare professional will help you get into the right position for your scan. Your healthcare professional will then apply a clear gel to your stomach, below your ribs.
This will help the ultrasound probe (transducer) make contact with your skin. The probe will be pressed firmly against your skin and moved back and forth. This is painless and you will be able to get back to your normal
activities afterwards, unless you are advised otherwise.
After the procedure.
After the scan your healthcare professional will talk you through your results. They will inform you if you have an aortic aneurysm and if you do, they will tell you the size of it. If necessary, we will discuss treatment options with you and any guidance we give you will be based on the UK National Screening Committee 2007.
As a guide, depending on the size of your aorta, we would recommend the following:
• If your aorta is less than 3cm – this is normal and no further treatment is required.
• If your AAA measures between 3cm & 4.4cm – you will be advised to have repeat scans annually.
• If your AAA measures between 4.5cm & 5.4cm – you will be advised that a repeat scan will be required within 3 months, so we can monitor the aneurysm.
• If your AAA is more than 5.5cm – you will be referred to your GP at your appointment.
• If your AAA is more than 7cm – an urgent referral to a vascular surgeon will be made at your appointment.
If at any time you’re unsure of any of the information we give you, don’t hesitate to ask for a clearer explanation in simpler terms. We want you to feel reassured and to understand what’s involved.
Questions? Call us.
Before you come in, if you have any questions, please feel free to call us on 0845 602 9262.
