When abdominal aortic aneurysms rupture, they are deadly- carrying a 50-70 percent mortality rate. Since there are typically no symptoms until rupture occurs, the key to addressing this disease is through early detection. If abdominal aortic aneurysms can be detected, repair can reduce the risk of rupture and death.

The Vascular Screening Program uses noninvasive imaging to screen for such aneurysms. As of January 1997, the program has screened more than 1,000 people, with several aneurysms detected.