An aortic aneurysm is when a part of this artery becomes enlarged or balloons outward. It occurs due to weakness in the wall of the artery. EVAR is an endovascular procedure to repair abdominal aortic aneurysms and is done when the aneurysm is very large, growing quickly, or is leaking or bleeding.

EVAR has a lower risk of developing complications compared to open surgery. A physician is more likely to suggest this type of repair if the patient has other serious medical problems or is of an advanced age.

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How does it work?

This procedure is done in an operating room or in a catheterization lab. During the procedure, a Deborah Heart and Lung Center surgeon will:

• Make a small surgical cut near the groin, to find the femoral artery.
• Insert a stent and a man-made graft through the cut into the artery.
• Then use a dye to define the extent of the aneurysm.
• Use x-rays to guide the stent graft up into the aorta, to where the aneurysm is located.
• Next open the stent using a spring-like mechanism and attach it to the walls of the aorta. The aneurysm will eventually shrink around it.
• Lastly use x-rays and dye again to make sure the stent is in the right place and the aneurysm is not bleeding.

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What can I expect after treatment?

In most cases, patients who have undergone EVAR will have a relatively shorter recovery time and quicker return to normal activities.