How does an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm get repaired?

Repair of an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) typically involves a surgical procedure called endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Here's an overview of the steps involved in EVAR:

1. Pre-operative Evaluation:

- Before the procedure, the patient undergoes various tests and assessments to determine their overall health and fitness for surgery. This may include imaging studies, such as CT scans or ultrasounds, to assess the size, location, and characteristics of the aneurysm.

2. Anesthesia:

- General anesthesia is usually used during EVAR to ensure the patient remains unconscious and pain-free throughout the procedure.

3. Accessing the Femoral Artery:

- A small incision is made in the groin area to access the femoral artery. This is where the delivery system for the stent graft will be inserted.

4. Inserting the Delivery System:

- A thin, flexible tube called the introducer sheath is inserted into the femoral artery and advanced into the aorta under X-ray guidance.

5. Positioning the Stent Graft:

- The stent graft is compressed onto a delivery system and inserted through the introducer sheath. It is carefully positioned across the aneurysm, covering the weak area of the aortic wall.

6. Deploying the Stent Graft:

- Once the stent graft is in place, it is expanded and secured in position. This seals off the aneurysm from the rest of the bloodstream, reducing the risk of rupture.

7. Completion:

- The introducer sheath is removed, and the incision in the groin is closed. The stent graft remains in place, reinforcing the weakened aortic wall and preventing further enlargement or rupture of the aneurysm.

8. Post-operative Care:

- After the procedure, the patient is monitored closely in the recovery room. They may be prescribed medications to manage pain and prevent complications. Follow-up imaging studies are typically performed to assess the effectiveness of the EVAR and monitor for any potential issues.

Endovascular aneurysm repair is a minimally invasive procedure compared to traditional open surgical repair, resulting in less pain, reduced risk of complications, and a shorter recovery time. However, the specific details of the procedure may vary depending on the patient's individual circumstances and the surgeon's preferred technique.