Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Mercy Heart & Vascular Institute provides you with access to skilled cardiologists and cardiac surgeons who work together to evaluate patients with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) and surgically remove the aneurysm if necessary.

What types of surgery are available for AAA? During surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), the weakened aortic wall is replaced with a hollow manmade tube (a graft). The goal of placing the graft is to safely route blood past the aneurysm.

The aorta can be reached through open surgery. Or a less invasive endovascular procedure may be done. Your surgeon will choose the best approach for you.

Open Surgery During open surgery, a graft replaces the weakened section of aortic wall. Then the aortic wall is wrapped back around the graft. An incision is made in your abdomen. Once inside, your surgeon gently moves aside your organs to reach the damaged section of the aorta.
	The aneurysm is opened and cleaned of any blood clot The graft is sewn to the aorta The wall of the aorta is wrapped around the graft to protect it. The wall is then sewn up The incision site is closed with sutures or staples
Endovascular Procedure During an endovascular procedure, a graft is inserted inside the aortic wall. The graft is then secured to the aorta above and below the aneurysm. Near your groin, two small incisions are made. Then a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) is threaded into the artery at the incision. A graft is placed inside the catheter and guided toward the damaged part of the aorta. Watching the catheter on a video monitor, the surgeon places the catheter in the best position.
	The graft is expanded so blood can flow through it The graft is attached inside the artery. It is held in place with stents (metal springs), hooks, or pins The catheter is removed. The incision sites are closed with sutures or staples