For Patients

Repair of aneurysms

Endovascular Repair

This minimally invasive technique is performed using X ray and contrast dye.  A small incision is made in the skin of both groins through which a tube is passed into the groin artery and directed to the aortic aneurysm. Through the tubes, a stent graft is advanced to the aneurysm, and then opened, creating new walls through which blood flows. The prevents blood from flowing into the aneurysm sac and therefore rupture.

This is a minimally invasive technique and may be safer for patients with significant health problems such as heart disease.  This procedure requires close monitoring after the surgery with regular scans to ensure the position of the stents.  The stent graft procedure is not for everyone though and must be assessed by your surgeon.

Open Surgical Repair

Open aneurysm repair graft

This procedure involves an incision from just below the breastbone to the top of the pubic bone. The surgeon then clamps off the aorta, opens the aneurysm and sews in a graft to act as a bridge for the blood flow. The blood flow then goes through the plastic graft and no longer allows the direct pulsation pressure of the blood to further expand the weak aorta wall.

Open aneurysm repair graft

Finally…

This website should have answered some of your questions, but remember that this is only a starting point for discussion about your treatment with the doctors looking after you.