Vascular Aortic Repair

Aortic aneurysm may be treated by vascular surgeons using either minimally invasive techniques or open surgery.

In endovascular aneurysm repair, or EVAR, Blank Vascular Center surgeons use small incisions in the groin and work through arteries to reach the aorta. By maneuvering a thin catheter, the surgeons place a three-pronged graft to seal off the damaged area. This keeps the aneurysm from bursting. Self-expanding stents (thin mesh tubes) hold the graft in place.

EVAR is a minimally invasive procedure, so patients may be hospitalized only one to three nights. Recovery is achieved in about two to four weeks.

Open aortic repair is surgery in which the damaged aorta is reached through an incision in the abdomen. Blank Vascular Center surgeons open the aneurysm and remove any blood clots that may have formed. They then sew the three-pronged graft to the aorta, wrap the wall of the aorta around the graft, and stitch the entire wall back together. Sutures or staples keep the incision site closed.

Following open surgery, patients may be hospitalized five or more days. Recovery takes up to three months.

For expertise on vascular aortic repair, contact the specialists at Abington’s Pilla Heart Center and Blank Vascular Center.