Our surgeons use branch fenestrated endografting to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms. An aneurysm—a bulge or swelling in a weakened artery—can cause life-threatening problems, such as a stroke. An aneurysm that develops in the aorta (the large blood vessel that runs from the heart through the abdomen and chest) is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Branch fenestrated endografting is minimally invasive. This means the surgeon can limit the size and number of cuts or incisions needed to perform the surgery, which helps you recover faster.
We are a leader in advancing the branch fenestrated endografting procedure and are one of only a few hospitals in the United States to provide this technique.
What is branch fenestrated endografting?
In this procedure, your surgeon places a small metal tube (endograft) inside the aorta. This procedure allows blood to pass through without pushing on the bulging artery. The tube has holes that match the position of arteries that branch out to other organs, such as the kidneys. This procedure allows blood to flow to those organs.
What to expect
To perform the branch fenestrated endografting procedure, your surgeon makes a small cut in the groin area. Your surgeon then threads a tube, or endograft, through a blood vessel using a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) to the site of the aneurysm. You will receive either general or local anesthesia. General anesthesia puts you to sleep during the procedure. Local anesthesia numbs only the area of the body the surgeon will work on.
Recovery after branch fenestrated endografting
After the surgery, most patients will stay in the hospital for a few days before returning home.