Saw the GP today and she is sending my DH's dossier to a neurosurgeon in Rennes for evaluation. We now expect to wait 2-3 weeks for a reply as to what will happen next. Fingers xxx'd.
Wishing you both all the best! May you have the patience of Job in the interim… 
Many thanks, Tim. you know, the DH also has an aortic aneurysm and we have lived with that Sword of Damocles for nearly two years, but I find this far more frightening for some reason. :) Trish