Questions and Answers – Endovascular Stent Grafting Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

Overview

Here are some questions and answers about endovascular stent grafting for you to talk about with your doctor.

• Am I a candidate for endovascular stent grafting?
• Will endovascular stent grafting cure my condition?
• If I have the surgery how long will it take me to recover?
• Can I still play golf?
• What are other treatment alternatives for abdominal aortic aneurysm?
• What are some of the risks involved with stent grafting?

Am I a candidate for endovascular stent grafting?

Endovascular stent grafting depends on several factors, including age, race, physical condition, family history, the condition and size of the aorta, and the location and size of the aortic aneurysm. Your doctor will perform a medical examination and a series of tests to help decide if endovascular stent grafting is right for you.

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Will endovascular stent grafting cure my condition?

In the case of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, it may be lifelong. The endovascular stent graft may help prevent rupture of the aneurysm, but the patient needs to be aware of the condition and make necessary lifestyle changes to avoid complications.¹

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If I have the surgery how long will it take me to recover?

Every individual is different, but after the endovascular stent grafting procedure, the patient can expect to spend 2 to 4 days in the hospital. Your doctor will give you instructions about what to eat and do before and after the endovascular stent graft surgery.¹

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Can I still play golf?

A few weeks after endovascular stent graft surgery the patient should be able to resume normal activities. The doctor will give specific instructions about what the patient should and should not do.¹

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What are other treatment alternatives for abdominal aortic aneurysm?

If the abdominal aortic aneurysm is small, the doctor may recommend periodic exams and prescribe medications and lifestyle changes to reduce high blood pressure, cholesterol levels and smoking habits. If the aneurysm expands, the treatment alternatives are most likely open surgery and endovascular stent grafting.

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What are some of the risks involved with Stent grafting?

With any surgical procedure, complications can occur. Some possible complications may include, but are not limited to, the following²:

• Damage to surrounding blood vessels, organs, or other structures by instruments
• Kidney damage 
• Limb ischemia (loss of blood flow to leg/feet) from clots
• Groin wound infection
• Groin haematoma (large blood-filled bruise)
• Bleeding Endoleak (continual leaking of blood out of the graft and into the aneurysm sac with potential rupture)

Spinal cord injury patients who are allergic to or sensitive to medications, contrast dyes, iodine, shellfish, or latex should notify their physician.² There may be other risks depending upon the specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your physician prior to the procedure.

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