Valley’s vascular and heart surgeons are highly skilled in complex endovascular repair procedures for abdominal and thoracic (chest) aortic aneurysms.
We specialize in minimally invasive techniques that protect function and lower the risk of complications. We’ll customize your care, using techniques and devices specific to your condition.
Watch: At Valley, we know one size does not fit all when it comes to aortic aneurysm repair. Learn how our team works together and with you to personalize your care plan, from surveillance to surgical repairs.
What Happens During Endovascular Aneurysm Repair?
The aorta is an important blood vessel that brings blood from the heart to the rest of your body. An aortic aneurysm occurs when parts of the aorta weaken and begin to bulge. Aortic aneurysms can develop anywhere in your abdomen or chest (thoracic aneurysms).
Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair procedures involve strengthening or re-lining the aorta with devices called stent grafts.
Stent grafts, also called endografts, are flexible tubes made from fabric and metal mesh. They hold the aorta open to allow blood to pass through. Eventually, without the constant force of blood, the aneurysm shrinks.
During endovascular aneurysm repair, Valley surgeons place the stent grafts using catheters (small, flexible tubes). They insert the catheter through an artery in the groin to the aorta to place the stent.
This minimally invasive method can mean an easier recovery than traditional, open approaches. You may have less pain and spend less time in the hospital.
Abdominal Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR)
Depending on the location and size of your abdominal aortic aneurysm, we may perform an abdominal endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).
EVAR is a minimally invasive procedure. Your heart surgeon will make small incisions to access and repair the aneurysm through blood vessels in your groin.
After the procedure, you will recover in a private hospital room for one to two days. You can expect to get back to normal activity within one to two weeks.
Fenestrated Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (FEVAR)
If an aortic aneurysm is close to the branches serving your kidneys, liver or intestines, EVAR may not be possible. In those cases, we may use fenestrated endovascular repair (FEVAR).
FEVAR involves stent grafts that have custom-designed holes (called fenestrations) that line up to the blood vessels serving the organs.
During the procedure, your heart surgeon will insert stent grafts through the holes to repair the aneurysm without affecting blood flow.
Valley’s team has unique expertise in customizing fenestrated stent grafts to align with each patient’s unique anatomy.
Thoracic Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (TEVAR)
If you have an aneurysm in the chest, we may use a procedure called thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR). TEVAR is a minimally invasive approach that involves only a few small incisions in the groin.
Thoracic aortic aneurysms are rare and can be complex. They can occur at the aortic arch close to the base of the heart. Aortic aneurysms can also happen where the aorta passes through the chest and abdomen (called a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm).
Valley’s heart surgeons have advanced expertise treating even the most complicated thoracic aneurysms with minimally invasive techniques. We use hybrid approaches and design branched stent grafts to bypass important blood vessels.
Why Choose Valley for Endoscopic Aneurysm Repair?
- Methods that reduce risks, protect function and save lives: Our heart surgeons use surgical techniques that reduce the risk for complications — offering you the safest experience possible. Our aortic arch repair techniques also result in improved survival outcomes with less chance for a total arch replacement.
- Advanced, integrated aortic care: Valley offers multispecialty, integrated aortic care for patients with aortic aneurysms and aortic valve problems. This program provides expert surveillance using the latest risk guidelines and surgical care from a whole team. This gives you all the care you need from one collaborative team, in one place.
- Customized, innovative solutions: Our surgeons use the latest stent devices and design tools for your specific condition and anatomy. This creative, customized approach offers you personalized care that ultimately leads to better outcomes.
- Team-based, coordinated care tailored to you: At Valley, our heart and vascular specialists approach endovascular aneurysm repairs as a team. They make care decisions together — with you at the center. We’ll help you understand your options and make recommendations based on your health and goals. Our cardiovascular nurse practitioners will be your partner in care, answering your questions and providing guidance along the way. And our nurse navigators help coordinate your appointments, making your experience as seamless as possible.
