Endovascular aneurysm repair

Endovascular repair of an aortic aneurysm using a modular stent-graft made by W.L. Gore (click to enlarge)

What is an aneurysm?

An aneurysm is an abnormal swelling of a blood vessel. The commonest place to develop an aneurysm is the abdominal aorta. Abdominal aortic aneurysms are described in more detail in the aneurysm section of the website (please see Conditions Treated, Prevented and Cured).

Endovascular aneurysm repair is normally done under local anaesthetic or epidural without any need for general anaesthetic. The incisions in each groin are small (less than 5cm) and recovery is rapid. Most patients are discharged home within 24-48 hours after the procedure. Regular check ups are required (usually yearly) to check the stent-graft continues to function correctly.

Juan Parodi invented endovascular repair for aortic aneurysms

Development of endovascular repair for aneurysms

Juan Parodi performed the first successful endovascular repair of an aneurysm in 1990. Conventional surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm involves a major abdominal operation. In contrast, endovascular repair, or stent-grafting, allows a strong new lining to be secured inside an aortic aneurysm via two small keyhole incisions in each groin. The endovascular stent-graft is inserted via soft flexible delivery catheters into the aneurysm under Xray control.

Endovascular stent-grafts (W.L. Gore)

Endovascular stent-grafts used for endovascular repair

Modern endovascular aneurysm stent-grafts are made of separate sections. Each section fits together accurately to make a tough new lining inside the aortic aneurysm to stop it growing and bursting.

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