Elective Abdominal Aortic Aneurism - Open Versus Endovascular Repair

An endovascular stent graft is a tube composed of fabric supported by a metal mesh called a stent. It can be used for a variety of conditions involving the blood vessels, but most commonly to reinforce a weak spot in an artery called an aneurysm. Over time, blood pressure and other factors can cause this weak area to bulge like a balloon and eventually enlarge and rupture. The stent graft seals tightly with your artery above and below the aneurysm. The graft is stronger than the weakened artery and allows blood to pass through it without pushing on the bulge. Physicians typically use endovascular stent grafting to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs).

Conventional repair consist in open repair. Different types of surgery can be done : minimal incision aortic surgery (MIAS), transperitoneal approach (TPA), retroperitoneal repair, or conventional median laparotomy.