EVAR is an acronym that stands for Endovascular Aneurysm Repair. It refers to a minimally invasive procedure used to treat abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), a potentially life-threatening condition. An AAA is a weakening and ballooning of the aorta, the main blood vessel that supplies the body's major organs with blood. EVAR is an alternative to open surgical repair, offering a less invasive method to repair the aneurysm.
During EVAR, a long, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted through a small incision in the groin or sometimes through the arm. The catheter is threaded through the blood vessels up to the affected area in the aorta. Once in position, a stent-graft, a fabric-lined tube, is deployed to reinforce and redirect blood flow, effectively excluding the aneurysm from the circulation. The stent-graft is permanently placed within the aorta, providing support for the weakened vessel walls.
EVAR offers several advantages over traditional open surgery, including reduced trauma, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times, and lower morbidity rates. However, it is not suitable for all patients, as factors such as the size, shape, and location of the aneurysm, as well as other medical conditions, need to be carefully considered. EVAR requires specialized training and skilled surgeons to ensure safe and successful outcomes.
In summary, EVAR is a minimally invasive endovascular procedure used to treat an abdominal aortic aneurysm. It involves the deployment of a stent-graft via a catheter to reinforce the weakened aorta, providing a safer alternative to open surgical repair.
