Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Stent Graft

An aortic endovascular stent graft is used to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms and is an alternative to a surgical procedure in appropriate patients.

The aorta is the largest artery that receives blood from the heart. It has branches that supply blood to the body and organs. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an enlargement or bulging of the aorta in abdomen. An aneurysm has a risk of leaking or rupturing.

To perform the stent graft procedure, a small incision is made in the upper thigh. A guide wire is inserted and guided through the arteries until it reaches the aortic aneurysm. A catheter with a collapsed stent is inserted over the guide wire. Once the catheter is in place the catheter is withdrawn to reveal the stent. The stent expands in place. It consists of an expandable mesh that is covered with a special fabric forming a tube. The catheter and guide wire are removed. The stent graft remains in place prevents the aneurysm from enlarging over time and rupturing.