Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR)
Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a procedure which requires a small incisions in the groin, along with the use of x-ray guidance and specially-designed instruments, to repair the aneurysm by inserting a tube, called a stent-graft, inside the aorta.
Conditions treated with EVAR
Endovascular aneurysm repair treats a few types of conditions:
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) – It is a stretched and bulging area of the aorta. The aorta is the large blood vessel that takes oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
Descending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA) – A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel (aorta) in the chest. The bulge occurs in a weak spot in the vessel.
EVAR is recommended as a preventative treatment to avoid aneurysm rupture and death. The majority of patients suffer no immediate major problems and rupture of the aneurysm is avoided in over 99% of patients.
Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR)
A thoracic aneurysm occurs if the arterial wall below your rib cage weakens and develops a bulge, meaning blood is flowing into the weakened area. The TEVAR procedure involves the placement of a fabric-covered metal mesh into the weakened area of the artery. The device repairs the diseased aorta and helps to keep it open and allow blood to flow properly to the rest of the body without pooling in the bulge.
Reasons why you might need TEVAR
- A weakening of the wall or ballooning out of the aorta, called as aneurysm
- Separation of one of the aorta’s three layers, called as dissection
- Narrowing of the inside of the aorta, called as stenosis
- Damage to the aorta from trauma or a car accident, called as transection
There may be some risks resulting from these procedures, depending upon your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your physician prior to the procedure.