Endovascular Repair

This procedure has been developed over the past 10–15 years to repair an aneurysm with surgery that is less invasive. Incisions are made in the groins, and a device is maneuvered through the arteries to the area of the aneurysm under x-ray control. The device is deployed within the aneurysm, excluding it from the bloodstream. Recovery following this type of procedure is shorter than with an open repair, typically requiring several days in the hospital and several weeks of convalescence. Only about one-half of aneurysms are of the appropriate size and shape to allow this type of repair. The long term results following endovascular repair are less favorable, and therefore these devices require long term monitoring with CT scanning. This procedure is ideally suited for people with other serious medical problems who may be at increased risk of complications following open repair.