Endoprosthesis of the aorta
Endoprosthesis of the aorta is an endovascular treatment of the pathological expansion of the aorta (aortic aneurysm).
Endoprosthesis of the aorta is a method of endovascular treatment. A specially made endoprosthesis is inserted through the lumen of the femoral artery in a folded state, which, when opened, forms a new wall of the aorta blocking the access of blood to the aneurysm (so its lumen becomes thrombosed in some time).
How is the procedure performed?
Through a small incision on the patient’s thigh, a catheter on which the endoprosthesis is attached is inserted into the femoral artery; under X-ray control, it gradually reaches the aorta (the area of the aneurysm). The endoprosthesis is a metal mesh frame of cylindrical shape with holes, which is covered with a dense material on top. In the folded state, the thickness of the endoprosthesis is less than 10 mm.
Having made sure that the prosthesis is in the correct position, the doctor opens it. Thus, the endoprosthesis forms a new dense wall of the aorta. The catheter that delivers the endoprosthesis is pulled out, and the hole in the artery and the skin are sewn up.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and lasts on average from 2 to 4 hours. The patient will spend a few more days in the hospital after the operation.
Endovascular treatment is not suitable for all patients. The method of treatment is chosen by a team of doctors (a surgeon, an interventional cardiologist/endovascular surgeon, a cardiologist) after a thorough study of the anatomy of an aortic aneurysm using computer tomography.
Advantages over open surgery:
- less traumatic;
- better tolerability of the operation by weak patients or elderly patients;
- reduced risk of postoperative complications;
- shorter rehabilitation period after surgery (most often patients are discharged 2-3 days after the intervention).
How to prepare for the surgery?
- Before the operation, the surgeon/interventional cardiologist will examine the patient and prescribe a number of necessary examinations. The patient can choose to make them at their place of residence or directly in our Center.
- The patient can ask all the questions they have about the operation, and the doctor will answer them.
- The patient is expected to be hospitalized a few days before the operation.
Лікарі
Часті питання
- You can wear whatever you want when going to the hospital. During the procedure, you
- will be dressed in a hospital gown.
- Leave your valuables at home.
- One day before the arranged date, your doctor or nurse will tell you what you can and сan eat or drink before the procedure.
- Ask your doctor what medications you should take on the day of the procedure.
- Tell your doctor and/or nurses if you are allergic to anything.
- injected during the procedure.
- The procedure is performed in the X-ray operating room. This room is cool and dimly lit.
- You will lie on a special table above which you will see a large camera and several
- monitors.
- When the contrast medium is injected, you may feel heat or notice redness for a few
- seconds. This is normal – these sensations will quickly disappear.
- Catheters and an introducer are removed from the blood vessel. The doctor will press
- the puncture site with a finger and apply a compression bandage.
- The nurse will check your bandage regularly to prevent bleeding.
- After a puncture in the leg, you need to lie in bed for several hours.
- The puncture site may be sensitive.
- You will need to drink plenty of fluid to clear the contrast material from your body.
