The purpose of this study is to identify possible in vivo biochemical and biological markers related to aortic wall strength.

Rupture of an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is potentially lethal. prophylactic surgical repair is therefore warranted when the risk of rupture exceeds the risk of complications following surgery. Aneurysm rupture occurs when the forces (stress) acting on the aneurysm wall surpass aneurysm wall strength. Information on both wall stress and strength might therefore improve rupture risk assessment and patient selection for prophylactic repair. Although aneurysm wall stress calculations are possible, no in vivo method exists to determine aneurysm wall strength. This study was designed to identify possible biomarkers of aneurysm wall strength

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patient scheduled for transabdominal aortic surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient characteristics and aneurysm anatomy suitable for endovascular repair
• Previous aortic surgery

Tertiary care clinic. Patients scheduled for transbadominal aortic surgery