Endovascular repair of an AAA involves gaining access to the lumen of the abdominal aorta, usually via small incisions over the femoral vessels. An endograft, typically a polyester or Gore-Tex graft with a stent exoskeleton, is placed within the lumen of the AAA, extending distally into the iliac arteries. Several such grafts have been approved for use in the United States. [38]
The graft serves to contain aortic flow and decrease the pressure on the aortic wall, leading to a reduction in AAA size over time and a decrease in the risk of aortic rupture. Whereas EVAR repair has less operative morbidity than open repair does, it is more likely to necessitate secondary intervention, which increases cost. [25, 28, 29]
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Radiograph shows calcification of abdominal aorta. Left wall is clearly depicted and appears aneurysmal; however, right wall overlies spine.
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On radiography, lateral view clearly shows calcification of both walls of abdominal aortic aneurysm, allowing diagnosis to be made with certainty.
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CT demonstrates abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Aneurysm was noted during workup for back pain, and CT was ordered after AAA was identified on radiography. No evidence of rupture is seen.
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Arteriography demonstrates infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. This arteriogram was obtained in preparation for endovascular repair of aneurysm.
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Lateral arteriogram demonstrates infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. Demonstration of superior mesenteric artery, inferior mesenteric artery, and celiac artery on lateral arteriogram is important for complete evaluation of extent of aneurysm.
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Arteriogram after successful endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm.
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Ultrasonogram from patient with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). This aneurysm was best visualized on transverse or axial image. Patient underwent conventional AAA repair.
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MRI of 77-year-old man with leg pain believed to be secondary to degenerative disk disease. During evaluation, abdominal aortic aneurysm was discovered.
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Age is risk factor for development of aneurysm.
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Inflammation, thinning of media, and marked loss of elastin.
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Pulsatile abdominal mass.
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Aneurysm with retroperitoneal fibrosis and adhesion of duodenum.
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Aortic endoprosthesis (Cook aortic and aortobi-iliac endograft).
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Endoaneurysmorrhaphy
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Endovascular grafts.
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Atheroemboli from small abdominal aortic aneurysms produce livedo reticularis of feet (ie, blue toe syndrome).
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Enhanced spiral CT scans with multiplanar reconstruction and CT angiogram.
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Angiography is used to diagnose renal area. In this instance, endoleak represented continued pressurization of sac.