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

 

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