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Endovascular Stent Repair of Abdominal and Thoracic Aneurysms

Introduction

You have discussed having a stent graft procedure to treat an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with your doctor. Your doctor has given you this guide to help you further understand the device and procedure. Only a doctor can determine if the patient is a good candidate for a stent graft procedure.

What is the Talent Abdominal Stent Graft?

The Talent Abdominal Stent Graft is a fabric tube supported by a metal framework. The stent graft is designed to exclude the aneurysm and reinforce the weakened wall of the aorta. The stent graft reduces the pressure on the aneurysm and provides a new pathway for blood flow. This reduces the risk of rupture. The stent graft is placed in the aorta using a device called a delivery system. The delivery system is a long thin tube-like device that contains the compressed stent graft.

How is the Talent Abdominal Stent Graft procedure performed?

This procedure is performed using anesthesia. Prior to the procedure, imaging tests like CT scans are performed. These tests allow the doctor to assess the aneurysm. A small cut is made in both upper thighs to prepare for the stent grafting procedure. Fluoroscopy is used to guide the delivery system to the AAA. The delivery system is a long thin tube like device
used to place the stent graft in the aorta. The delivery system is advanced through the large vessel in the patient's thigh (femoral artery) to reach the abdominal aneurysm.

The stent graft is slowly released from the delivery system into the aorta. As the stent graft is released, it expands to its proper size so that it snugly fits into aorta both above and below the aneurysm. The delivery system is then removed from the body. The stent graft remains inside the aorta permanently. Additional stent grafts may be required to completely exclude the aneurysm. Imaging procedures are often performed to check whether the stent graft is properly placed.

What are the Risks?

As with any endovascular stent graft, the Talent Abdominal Stent Graft comes with risks. Please discuss all risks with your doctor. Major risks associated with abdominal endovascular stent grafts include, but are not limited to:

  • Endoleaks: An endoleak is the leaking of blood around the graft into the aneurysm sac. Endoleaks can be detected using CT scans. Most endoleaks do not require treatment. Your doctor can decide if you need any treatment.
  • Stent Graft Movement: This is the movement of the stent graft from its original position over time. This can be assessed using imaging techniques like CT scans. Your doctor can decide if you need any treatment.
  • Device Related Issues (example: breaking of sutures or metal portion of the stent graft): Device related issues can be detected using imaging techniques such as X- rays. Your doctor can decide if you need any treatment.
  • Aneurysm Rupture
  • Additional endovascular or surgical procedures may be required

What are the Benefits?

There are a number of benefits to having a Talent Abdominal Stent Graft procedure, some of which are listed below:

  • The procedure is minimally invasive
  • Procedure can be performed under local anesthesia
  • Lower surgical complication rate compared to open surgery
  • The patient may lose less blood during the procedure
  • The patient may spend less time in the intensive care unit after the procedure
  • The patient may have a shorter hospital stay with faster recovery time compared to open surgery

Are you a good candidate?

Based on your anatomy, your doctor can decide if you are a good candidate for this procedure. Anyone who is considering the Talent Abdominal Stent Graft procedure should:

  • Be able to undergo a procedure that typically lasts between one to three hours
  • Be able to go for regular follow-up visits after the procedure
  • Be fully informed about the risks and benefits of the Talent Abdominal Stent Graft procedure.

What can you expect after a stent graft procedure?

Immediately after recovery from the stent grafting procedure, you may be required to lay flat for four to six hours. This will allow the leg wounds to start healing. Some mild
discomfort may be felt at the wounds in the groin. This usually resolves in two days. Side effects may include swelling of the upper thighs, numbness of the legs, nausea, vomiting, leg pain or throbbing, lack of appetite, fever and / or absence of bowel movement for one to three days.