Minimally-invasive procedure saves Florida man with life-threatening aneurysm

What began as a typical day on the golf course quickly turned into a life-threatening emergency for 68-year-old Jackson Cairns.

While playing a round of golf, Cairns experienced a ‘pop’ sensation in his back. The next day he started to feel pain that did not subside with heat, ice or over-the-counter pain medication. Initially seeking care at an urgent care center without relief, he trusted his instincts that something was seriously wrong and went to the nearest emergency room at HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital.

There, his ER team ordered a CT scan of his back which coincidentally identified a critical condition, an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Following this diagnosis, they arranged for his transfer to HCA Florida Largo Hospital, a regional referral center for cardiovascular services, where he was placed under the care of interventional cardiologist, Dr. Jesse Klein.

An (AAA) is a dangerous enlargement of the main blood vessel supplying blood to the abdomen, pelvis, and legs. Cairns’ aneurysm measured approximately the size of a grapefruit.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms are often called a “silent killer” because they can develop without symptoms until they become life-threatening. In the United States, AAAs are responsible for an estimated 10,000–18,000 deaths each year, and at least 13,000 deaths annually are linked specifically to aneurysm rupture.

“An aneurysm of this size carries a significant risk of rupture, which can be fatal if not treated immediately,” said Dr. Klein.

Thanks to the expertise of the Largo Hospital team, Cairns underwent a lifesaving, minimally invasive procedure in the cardiac catheterization lab. Unlike traditional open surgery, the advanced technique required no large incisions, resulting in a faster recovery time.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Dr. Klein and the hospital teams for acting so quickly,” said Cairns. “They saved my life and I’ll be back to work and my golf game in a week’s time.”