An aneurysm occurs when the walls of a major blood vessel (aorta) become weakened and dilated, causing them to expand when under pressure. If left untreated, an aneurysm can burst, leading to internal bleeding.
To prevent the rupturing of a diagnosed aneurysm, your interventional radiologist will use a minimally invasive technique to insert a catheter in a small incision and position a stent-graft within the aorta.
How to Prepare for Aneurysm Repair
- Plan to arrive at the hospital 2-4 hours before your procedures in order to get lab tests.
- Patients taking blood thinners should stop a week before.
- Your interventional radiologist may require additional images to be taken in order to see the specific location of the aneurysm.
- Please note any allergies or medications you are currently taking.
What to Expect
- You will be heavily sedated (twilight anesthesia), but conscious. This is administered through an IV in the arm. The area of the incision will be numbed, so you should not feel anything other than a little pressure when the catheter is inserted.
- You will be lying on your back during this procedure.
- After the incision is made, the catheter will be inserted and guided to the aorta with imaging technology.
- The stent-graft will expand to the sides of the aorta, supporting the walls of the vessel and allowing blood to flow through as normal.
- The incision will be covered, and does not require stitches.
What to Expect after Aneurysm Repair
- Your interventional radiologist will monitor your blood pressure in order to confirm that the graft is working properly and you are comfortable upon discharge.
- In comparison to bypass surgery to treat aneurysms, the stent-graft approach will allow you to recover within 2-6 hours and return home the same day as their procedure.
For More Information
For more information on aneurysm repair, or to schedule an appointment with an interventional radiologist, please call 847.570.2160.