Helping you avoid a heart attack or stroke

An aneurysm is an area of an artery wall that has become weak and may have begun to swell or enlarge. In some cases, high blood pressure and other factors may cause the aneurysm to burst.

Aneurysms can occur anywhere in the body, but are particularly dangerous in arteries that lead to the heart and brain, as they may cause a heart attack or stroke. An endovascular stent graft can be used to help strengthen the artery and prevent the aneurysm from rupturing.

As with any surgery, there are certain risks associated with this procedure that you should discuss with your Hurley cardiologist and vascular surgeon beforehand.

During the procedure: 

The vascular surgeon will create a small incision or puncture in the artery or vein. The stent graft, a small strong tube about the size of the blood vessel, will be inserted through the incision and moved to the area where the aneurysm is located. The ends of the stent graft will then be attached to the stronger parts of the artery, above and below the aneurysm. This can prevent the aneurysm from increasing in size or bursting, and will allow the blood to flow normally through the artery.

After discharge:

Take your antibiotics and other medications as ordered by your Hurley physician. Be sure to keep your incision clean and dry until it has healed. Your physician will give you specific instructions on how and when you can bathe while you continue to recover. If you experience fever or chills, or redness, swelling, bleeding or increased pain at the site of the incision, call your physician right away.

An endovascular stent graft is a less-invasive procedure that can shorten your hospital stay and allow for a faster recovery. Generally, patients experience less pain and fewer complications following endovascular stent grafts, compared to more invasive surgical techniques.