Cardiovascular Center of Excellence

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Vascular Services

(732) 235-7816
(609) 860-0326 (Monroe Township office)

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

An abdominal aortic aneurysm, also called AAA, is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of the aorta, the largest artery in the body. The aorta delivers oxygenated blood from the heart to the body.

The aorta is under constant pressure as blood is ejected from the heart. With each heart beat, the walls of the aorta expand then recoil, exerting constant pressure on the wall, which is already weakened.

There is a potential for the aneurysm to burst, which may cause life-threatening hemorrhage and, potentially, death.

Because an aneurysm may continue to increase in size, along with progressive weakening of the artery wall, surgical intervention may be needed to prevent rupture.

How is it treated?

The repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm may be performed surgically through an open incision or in a minimally-invasive procedure called endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). The surgeon will determine which surgical intervention is most appropriate.

Open Incision Method

The procedure is performed in an operating room under general anesthesia. Open repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm involves an incision of the abdomen.

Once the abdomen is opened, the aneurysm is repaired with a long cylinder-like tube called a graft. The graft is sutured (sewn) to the aorta connecting one end of the aorta at the site of the aneurysm to the other end.

Experience

Vascular Center of New Jersey surgeons perform approximately 55 open AAA repairs per year.

Recovery and Follow Up

Patients get transferred to a monitored room for recovery for 1-2 days.
Physical therapists evaluate and help with increasing daily activity levels.
Diets are started once bowel function returns (2-3 days).
Social workers and discharge planners help with locating rehabilitation centers if needed.

Minimally-Invasive Method

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a minimally-invasive procedure also performed in an operating room. The surgeon may use general anesthesia or regional anesthesia (epidural or spinal anesthesia). The surgeon makes a small incision to access the femoral arteries. Using special endovascular instruments, along with x-ray images for guidance, a stent-graft is inserted through the femoral artery and advanced up into the aorta to the site of the aneurysm.

Experience

Vascular Center of New Jersey surgeons perform approximately 50 endovascular AAA repairs per year.

Recovery and Follow Up

Patients stay in the hospital overnight.
Diets are started after recovery from anesthesia.
An office evaluation one week after the procedure is performed.
A CAT scan is performed one, six and 12 months, and then annually, after the procedure.

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