What is an aneurysm?

An aneurysm is a weakened part of a blood vessel that expands like a balloon.

What is an endograft?

• An endograft is a hollow tube made from wire mesh that is covered with strong fabric.
• The endograft is inserted into the aneurysm through two small incisions in the hips.

Why do I need an endograft placed in my aneurysm?

• Aneurysm repair is required when the size of the aneurysm is at least double the size of the normal vessel and/or is causing symptoms.
• The shape of the aneurysm will determine whether an endograft will be placed.

Where is the endograft placement performed?

• It is performed in the Interventional Radiology Department or the surgical suites of the hospital.

Who will perform the endograft placement procedure?

One of our specially trained Interventional Radiologists and your surgeon.

What can I expect before the endograft placement procedure?

• You will be seen in our clinic by one of our doctors and/or nurse clinicians, who will obtain a health history, perform a brief physical exam, explain the procedure, and answer your questions.
• You will have blood drawn on your clinic day.
• You will have a CT (computed tomography) scan and an arteriogram of the aneurysm.
• You will have an EKG (electrocardiogram) and chest X ray.
• You will have an IV (intravenous) catheter started on the day of your procedure.
• You will be requested to sign a consent form.

What can I expect during the endograft placement procedure?

• You will be attached to a monitor so that IV (intravenous) medications can be given by the anesthesiologist to make you sleep.
• Your groin and abdomen will be cleaned with special soap.
• After making an incision, a tube is inserted into the groin artery.
• Through this tube, the doctor will inject x-ray dye to look at your blood vessels on a TV monitor. The endograft will be inserted through the tube into the aneurysm. This repairs the weakened wall of the aneurysm.

   

What can I expect after the endograft placement procedure?

• You will be observed in the hospital for 2 to 3 days.
• You will return to our recovery area.
• The length of stay is different for each person.
• You will have several CT (computed tomography) scans to make sure the blood is flowing properly through your endograft.

   

What are the risks of having an endograft placement procedure?

• Bleeding at the puncture site.
• Infection at the puncture site.
• Small risk of blood vessel rupture causing the need for urgent surgery.
• Damage to kidney function from the x-ray dye.

What are the benefits of having an endograft placement procedure?

• Having one or two small incisions to repair the aneurysm instead of one large incision.
• A short hospital stay with few complications.

What are the alternatives to having an endograft placement procedure?

• Surgical repair of an aneurysm
• Not to repair the aneurysm and monitor it with periodic CT (computed tomography) scans.