(Minimally Invasive Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm; EVAR)
Definition
Definition
The aorta is the largest artery in the body. The abdominal part of the aorta is located below the diaphragm. It carries blood to the abdomen, pelvis, and legs. Sometimes, the walls of the aorta weaken and bulge in one area. This is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). When the aneurysm reaches a certain size, it may need to be repaired. Endovascular repair of an AAA (EVAR) is done from the inside of the artery. A stent graft is inserted into the area to strengthen it.
Abdominal Aortic AneurysmCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Reasons for Procedure
Reasons for Procedure
This procedure is often done to repair AAA when the aneurysm:
- Causes physical symptoms, such as abdominal pain
- Causes complications, such as clots that travel into the legs
- Reaches a certain size and position that meets criteria for EVAR
- Has burst—Surgery must be done right away.
EVAR is now the preferred method to treat AAA. EVAR can result in less pain, shorter hospital stay, fewer complications, and faster recovery time compared to open surgery. However, closer follow-up over many years is needed.
Possible Complications
Possible Complications
Your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Infection
- Bruising or bleeding
- Damage to blood vessels or organs (possibly requiring open surgery)
- Leaking of blood at the graft
- Heart attack
- Blood clots
Before your procedure, talk to your doctor about ways to manage factors that may increase your risk of complications such as:
- Smoking
- Drinking
- Chronic disease such as diabetes or obesity
Your risk of complications may also be increased if you have had:
- A recent or active infection
- Bleeding or clotting disorders
What to Expect
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
Your doctor may:
- Do a physical exam, blood tests, and imaging tests
- Ask about your medical history, including allergies, current medications, bleeding disorders, and other concerns
- Have you meet with an anesthesiologist
Before the procedure:
- Do not eat or drink for 8 hours prior to the procedure.
- Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to 1 week before the procedure.
Anesthesia
Your doctor may use:
- General anesthesia —puts the entire body to sleep
- Regional anesthesia —blocks pain to a part of the body; may be used with a sedative
Description of the Procedure
You will lie on your back. Small incisions will be made in both sides of the groin. Thin tubes called catheters will be inserted into the blood vessels and threaded up toward the aneurysm. Contrast dye will be injected through the catheters. A stent graft will be guided to the site. The graft will be placed into the weakened area and extended into both pelvic arteries. X-ray images will be used to guide each step. Once the graft is in place, the catheters will be removed. The incisions will be closed. Sterile bandages will be applied.
Immediately After Procedure
You will be taken to the intensive care unit (ICU). If you have a breathing tube, it will be removed. Your vital signs will be closely monitored.
How Long Will It Take?
About 2-3 hours
How Much Will It Hurt?
Anesthesia will prevent pain during the procedure. Your doctor will give you medication to manage the pain during the recovery process. There is little discomfort from the groin incisions.
Average Hospital Stay
The usual length of stay is 1-2 days. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if needed.
Post-procedure Care
At the Hospital
At the hospital, you will:
- Gradually move around and increase your activity level
- Slowly return to eating solid foods, as tolerated
During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection such as:
- Washing their hands
- Wearing gloves or masks
- Keeping your incisions covered
There are also steps you can take to reduce your chances of infection such as:
- Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and healthcare providers to do the same
- Reminding your healthcare providers to wear gloves or masks
- Not allowing others to touch your incisions
At Home
When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
- Your condition needs to be carefully monitored. Be sure to go to all of your appointments.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Call Your Doctor
Call Your Doctor
After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
- Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge at the incision site
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- New abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Any change of color or sensation in your legs or feet
- Burning, pain, or problems when urinating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal cramps or diarrhea
- Unusual fatigue or depression
- Disorientation or confusion
- Numbness or tingling in the legs
- Cough
- New, unexplained symptoms
Call for medical help or go to the emergency room right away if you have:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.
RESOURCES:
Society for Vascular Surgery http://www.vascularweb.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Society for Vascular Surgery http://canadianvascular.ca
References:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated December 3, 2014. Accessed March 11, 2015.
Endovascular repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms. Cleveland Clinic website. Available at:
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/disorders/aorta_marfan/endovascularaorticaneurysm.aspx
Accessed March 11, 2015.
Fotis T, Mitsos A, Perdikides T, et al. Regional Anesthesia versus general anesthesia in endovascular aneurism repair: the surgical nursing interventions. British Journal of Anesthetic and Recovery Nursing. 2009;10(1):11-14.
Last Updated: 1/27/2014