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  • Endovascular / Catheter-Based

Visceral Aneurysm Repair

Visceral Aneurysm Repair in Sarasota & Bradenton

Rare but Serious. Our Surgeons Have the Experience to Manage Them.

Visceral artery aneurysms are abnormal bulges that develop in the arteries supplying the abdominal organs — most commonly the splenic artery (to the spleen), the renal arteries (to the kidneys), the hepatic artery (to the liver), and the superior mesenteric artery (to the intestines). They are relatively uncommon and often discovered incidentally on imaging performed for another reason.

Despite their rarity, visceral aneurysms carry a meaningful risk of rupture — particularly splenic artery aneurysms in women of childbearing age and in patients on immunosuppression after organ transplant. Our vascular surgeons at Vascular Wellness Institute evaluate visceral aneurysms carefully and recommend treatment when the risk of rupture justifies intervention.

Treatment Options

Treatment decisions for visceral aneurysms are individualized. There is no single size threshold that applies across all artery types — treatment criteria vary based on which artery is affected, whether the aneurysm is a true aneurysm or a pseudoaneurysm, the presence of symptoms, growth rate, the patient’s anatomy, and special circumstances such as pregnancy, organ transplant, or portal hypertension. Your vascular surgeon will apply current guideline criteria to your specific imaging and clinical picture. Treatment options include:

  • Endovascular embolization — using coils or other materials to block blood flow into the aneurysm through a catheter approach
  • Endovascular stent-grafting — deploying a covered stent to seal the aneurysm while preserving flow through the artery
  • Open surgical repair — used when anatomy is not suitable for endovascular approaches or when the aneurysm involves vessel branches critical to organ perfusion

Endovascular techniques are preferred in most cases today due to their lower procedural risk and faster recovery. Open surgery is reserved for complex anatomy or emergency situations.

Anesthesia Type

Conscious Sedation

Typical Duration

1–2 hrs

Performed At

Hospital, Outpatient Surgery Center

Recovery Time

Same/1 day

Hospital Stay​

Same day or 1 night

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How are visceral aneurysms found? +

    Most are found incidentally on CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds performed for unrelated reasons such as kidney stones, abdominal pain workup, or cancer screening. Symptoms — when present — may include vague abdominal or flank pain. Rupture causes sudden severe pain and is a surgical emergency.

  • Does every visceral aneurysm need to be treated? +

    No. Treatment thresholds vary significantly by artery, aneurysm type, symptoms, and patient circumstances. Pseudoaneurysms — including pancreaticoduodenal and gastroduodenal aneurysms — are generally treated regardless of size due to higher rupture risk. True aneurysms of the splenic and renal arteries are evaluated using artery-specific criteria that account for size, anatomy, symptoms, growth, and special patient circumstances such as pregnancy or immunosuppression after transplant. Your vascular surgeon will review your imaging and apply current clinical guidelines to determine whether treatment is recommended for your specific situation.

  • Is visceral aneurysm repair dangerous? +

    The risk depends on the treatment approach. Endovascular embolization or stenting carries relatively low procedural risk in experienced hands. Open surgery carries higher short-term risk but may be necessary in certain cases. Untreated rupture of a visceral aneurysm carries a significantly higher mortality risk than elective repair.

  • Will I lose the organ supplied by the artery if it is treated? +

    Not usually. The goal of treatment is to exclude the aneurysm while preserving flow to the organ whenever possible. In some cases — particularly with splenic artery aneurysms near the spleen — the spleen may lose some blood supply, but this is generally well-tolerated. Your surgeon will discuss the expected effect on organ perfusion before proceeding.

  • How long is recovery after visceral aneurysm repair? +

    Recovery from endovascular repair is typically short — often an overnight stay with return to normal activities within one to two weeks. Open surgical repair requires a longer hospitalization and a recovery of several weeks. Imaging follow-up is planned for all repairs.