Expert vascular surgeons at the University of Miami Health System use the latest techniques to prevent aortic dissection, a life-threatening condition. Our vascular surgeons perform endovascular aneurysm repairs, a minimally invasive procedure, to strengthen the walls of the aorta (the artery that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body) using smaller incisions. This procedure has a faster recovery time than open aneurysm repair.

Candidates

You may need an endovascular aneurysm repair if you have an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). An AAA is a weak area in the wall the aorta that bulges outward and is at risk of rupturing. Men over the age of 65 who have smoked are at highest risk for an AAA.

What to Expect

Before scheduling your surgery, your doctor may perform a physical exam and run some blood tests to ensure you are healthy enough for surgery. Once you are cleared for surgery, you can begin preparing by stopping smoking.

During endovascular aneurysm repair, you will be asleep under general anesthesia or have part of your body numbed using an epidural. Because of the anesthesia, it is important to tell your doctor about any medicines you take. You should also avoid eating or drinking for several hours before your procedure.

Once you are anesthetized or numbed, your surgeon will make a small incision in your groin. They will use live X-ray images to make an incision in your femoral artery and guide a wire through the artery, up into the aneurysm. They will then place a tube (catheter) over the guide wire. They can place special instruments and devices through the catheter.

Using contrast dye and X-ray images, your doctor will attach a stent (a mesh tube) to the walls of the aorta where the aneurysm is located. The stent will strengthen the aorta to prevent rupture (dissection).

Once the stent is in place, your doctor will remove the catheter and bandage up your incision. You will be taken to a room where you can lie still and recover. You may receive pain medicines to keep you comfortable. After a few hours, a nurse will help you walk around and get out of bed. You may stay in the hospital as little as one day.

At home, you can continue taking pain medicines if your incision hurts. Your doctor will need to clear you for activities that may place a strain on your incision, as well as driving. If you have any questions about activities or recovery, you should call your surgeon’s office.

Why Choose UHealth?

Leading-edge imaging care in South Florida. Our doctors are also researchers discovering new ways to improve diagnosis and treatment. That means you can get some of today’s most promising advancements through clinical trials. You benefit from the latest developments that are fast-tracked from the lab to the bedside.

Advanced, hard-to-find procedures. Our doctors are committed to caring for every patient. That’s why they offer the latest treatments, including limb salvage, endovascular grafting and thoracic outlet decompression, to improve your blood flow. 

All the care you need, from one physician. Our vascular surgeons perform a wide range of procedures so you can have the same physician for any vascular care you need as your condition changes. Whether you need a stent replaced or a vein grafted, you can always turn to the doctor you trust.

Experienced doctors, reliable results. UHealth vascular surgeons perform hundreds of stent placements, angiograms and more every year. You can rely on their experience to help you avoid complications and have a positive outcome.