 |
|
|
|
TREATMENTS OF ARTERIAL DISEASES
Interventional Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA)
|
This minimally invasive technique is performed jointly by our vascular surgeon and interventional radiologists using x-ray imaging to guide a catheter and then a graft inside the patient’s aneurysm. This technique is replacing the large incisions needed for the surgical operations in many patients. For the procedure, an incision is made in the skin at the top of the leg through which a catheter is passed into the femoral artery and directed into the aortic aneurysm. Once in position, the physicians pass a stent-graft that is compressed into a small diameter within a special delivery catheter. After being placed into the aneurysm, the stent-graft is opened, creating new walls in the blood vessel through which blood flows and preventing future rupture of the aneurysm.
This less invasive method of placing a graft within the aneurysm redirects blood flow away from the aneurysm and stops direct pressure from being exerted on the weak aortic wall. This relatively new method not only eliminates the need for a large abdominal incision, but also eliminates the need to clamp the aorta during the procedure. Clamping the aorta creates significant stress on the heart, and people with severe heart disease may not be able to tolerate this major surgery.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|