Overview:
Aortic interventions address life-threatening conditions such as aortic aneurysms or dissections using minimally invasive endovascular techniques. These procedures prevent rupture, control bleeding, and restore normal blood flow with reduced surgical trauma.
Symptoms & Diagnosis:
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Aortic aneurysm: back or abdominal pain, pulsating abdominal mass
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Aortic dissection: sudden severe chest or back pain, low blood pressure
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Diagnosis via CT angiography, MRI, or ultrasound
Procedure Details:
Includes:
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Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) – stent graft placement to repair aneurysm
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Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) – for thoracic aorta
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Performed via small incisions in the groin, inserting a catheter under imaging guidance
Benefits:
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Life-saving in emergencies
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Short hospital stay
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Lower surgical risk compared to open repair
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Suitable for elderly and high-risk patients
Risks & Considerations:
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Endoleak (persistent blood flow around graft)
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Graft migration or blockage
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Requires precise imaging and long-term follow-up
Recovery & Aftercare:
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Typical recovery: 1–3 days
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Regular imaging follow-up is critical to detect complications early
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Long-term monitoring for graft integrity
Patient Experience:
Patients often experience rapid recovery, minimal pain, and life-saving results, especially in urgent cases of aneurysm or dissection.
FAQs:
Q: What is EVAR?
A: A minimally invasive stent procedure to repair abdominal aortic aneurysms via small groin incisions.
Q: How does it compare to open surgery?
A: It offers shorter recovery, less pain, and similar success rates for eligible patients.