Endovascular Surgery and the Recovery Period?

Answer 1

Endovascular surgery is used to correct thoracic and abdominal aneurysms. During this minimally invasive procedure, the surgeon makes small incisions in order to reach the blood vessel. This surgery method reduces the pain and recovery time that is involved with making larger incisions. Endovascular surgery candidates have an aneurysm that is present in a location that can be accessed with small surgical instruments.

Preparing for Endovascular Surgery

To prepare for endovascular surgery, the patient will undergo lab testing and a physical exam. The patient's heart will be examined using an EKG, or electrocardiogram, and a stress test. Imaging tests will also be conducted to find the location of the patient's aneurysm. Certain health supplements and medications, like aspirin and blood thinners, may need to be temporarily discontinued before having endovascular surgery.

The Surgical Procedure

After the patient undergoes regional or local anesthesia, the surgeon will sterilize the hip area and make a small incision. Using a guide wire to enter the incision and the blood vessel, the surgeon will maneuver to the aneurysm and then, they will place a catheter over the wire. The catheter is used to carry a graft to the aneurysm. Once the graft is released at the aneurysm site, it will expand in order to stop the flow of blood, causing the aneurysm to gradually reduce. The blood is routed to the graft, which will remain as a permanent fixture inside of the patient's body.

The Recover Period

Usually, the patient must remain in the hospital from 2-3 days after the procedure. The day after their endovascular surgery, the patient will be allowed to walk again. However, most people are too fatigued to resume normal activity for about two weeks. While the incision site heals, it must remain dry so the patient is limited to sponge baths during that period. Most patients will completely heal anywhere from 4-6 weeks after surgery.

Potential Complications of Endovascular Surgery

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential complications that can occur from endovascular surgery. Blood flow blockage, graft malfunction and infections can arise. Less common complications include a weakened immune system as well as kidney damage and aneurysm rupture. The most rare complications from endovascular surgery are impaired lower-body circulation, paralysis and a burst artery.