AAA Stent Grafting

A stent graft consists of a metal stent framework that supports a Dacron graft. Advances in technology since the late 1990’s have enabled thoracic, abdominal and iliac artery aneurysms to be treated in a minimally invasive manner by stent grafting.

The operation is performed under general anesthesia and access to the circulation is obtained by a small incision in each groin (femoral artery). Using the femoral arteries, stent grafts can be inserted and then deployed under x-ray guidance. The graft then acts as a new artificial wall and the pressure is removed from the aneurysm sac.

Studies show the aneurysm will clot off and gradually reduce in size eliminating the risk of rupture. Patients need to be followed every six months with CAT scans to assess the long-term effectiveness of their individual repair. The procedure makes an open abdominal operation unnecessary and patients may go home in one day and may return to full activity in 10-14 days.