Traditional surgery for treating AAA requires an incision over the abdomen to expose the aorta. The aneurysm is clamped off below the renal arteries
and above the iliac arteries. A synthetic graft is then placed within the blood vessel containing the aneurysm, essentially removing the risk of future
rupture. Since this is major surgery, it requires a hospital stay of seven to 10 days, with full recovery estimated at six or more weeks.
For many individuals, particularly high-risk patients with many medical problems, major surgery is not an option.
During endovascular aneurysm repair, a small incision is made in the groin, and a catheter is guided through the femoral (leg) artery to the aneurysm.
Both X-ray guidance and intravascular ultrasound are used to measure the aneurysm and place an appropriately sized stent graft.
Within a few hours after the procedure, patients are encouraged to walk, and most are discharged within 24 to 48 hours. While some patients may not be
candidates for the procedure, it is an excellent alternative to open surgery. Additional benefits include less blood loss, a faster recovery and fewer
complications.