Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR)
Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to treat and manage abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a swelling in the aorta, the artery that carries blood from the heart to the abdomen. Most aneurysms do not cause any problems, but they can be serious because there's a risk they could burst (rupture).
When is the procedure recommended?
EVAR is routinely recommended for patients who have an aortic aneurysm. A healthcare provider may also consider EVAR for patients that:
- Have a large aneurysm or smaller aneurysm that’s growing quickly.
- Do not qualify for open surgery with a large incision.
- Have healthy blood vessel tissue near the aneurysm.
How is the procedure performed?
The interventional radiologist will thread a catheter (a long, flexible tube) into a small puncture within the groin or arm. The radiologist then advances the catheter through a blood vessel to the aneurysm. Using the catheter and special instruments, a stent-graft is placed inside the aneurysm. A stent-graft comprises a metallic (stainless steel or nitinol) skeleton covered with an impermeable (polytetrafluoroethylene or polyster) fabric and is implanted using fluoroscopic guidance through the femoral arteries.
What are the benefits?
- Prevention of aneurysm rupture or dissention
- Quicker recovery time as compared to open abdominal surgery