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Description of Endoluminal Grafts for Aortic Aneurysms
A bulge in the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body is called an aortic aneurysm, and such aneurysms can put patients in grave danger. When an aortic aneurysm stretches to two inches wide or more, most people should seek medical attention. Endoluminal grafting is a new treatment, which we are proud to offer at Twin Cities Heart and Lung, that reduces the risk of aneurysm rupture, and returns patients to their normal activities much more quickly than traditional techniques.
An endoluminal graft is a supportive mesh of synthetic fabric and metal stent that can effectively patch a weakened aorta. Guided by an x-ray, the surgeon first inserts a catheter holding the unexpanded graft into the patient's femoral artery (in the thigh), and advances it to the site of the aneurysm. Once there, he places the graft within the bulge in the aorta, and expands the graft to hold it in place. The graft channels the blood flow, taking the stress off the aneurysm.
