This is a minimally invasive procedure in the treatment of aneurysmal dilatation of the thoracic aorta. The procedure is performed under general or epidural anesthesia by accessing the dilatation through arteries in the patient’s inguinal region. Special catheters are used under the X-ray control in the angio room to insert a covered stent, i.e. stent graft at dilatation segment. One or more grafts can be implanted depending on the length of the segment being treated. This prevents the aorta from rupturing and over time reduces the width of the aorta in that segment. At the end of the procedure, the access point is surgically closed or a special type of artery closure device is used in such procedures.
Sometimes it is necessary to perform previous surgery on the aortic arch arteries or the inguinal arteries in order to provide an access point and ensure proper placement of the stent graft. These are the so-called hybrid procedures and can be performed during the same or separate hospitalization of the patient.
In addition to treating aneurysm disease, these grafts can in some cases be used in the treatment of aortic dissection, intramural hematoma, penetrating aortic ulcer as well as thoracic aortic trauma.
