EVAR – Endovascular Aortic Repair
Keyhole repair of aortic aneurysm using a stent graft
What is it?
Endovascular Aortic Repair (EVAR) is a minimally invasive procedure used to repair aortic aneurysms by placing a stent graft inside the aorta through small incisions in the groin, eliminating the need for a large abdominal incision.
Why is it done?
Recommended for patients with aortic aneurysms large enough to risk rupture (typically >5.5 cm in diameter), particularly elderly or high-risk surgical candidates.
How is it performed?
Through small groin incisions, catheters are guided to the aorta under X-ray guidance. A collapsed stent graft is deployed and expanded inside the aneurysm sac, diverting blood flow away from the weakened aortic wall.
What to Expect
- Pre-operative CT angiography for precise planning
- Blood tests and cardiac evaluation
- No eating/drinking for 8 hours before
- General or regional anesthesia
- Monitoring of vital signs
- Procedure lasts 2-4 hours
- ICU monitoring overnight
- Hospital stay 2-3 days
- Gradual return to activities over 2-4 weeks
Recovery
Recovery is significantly faster than open surgery. Most patients return to light activity within 2 weeks and full activity within 4-6 weeks.