The device pictured above is housed in a 20F carrier device which is a little larger in diameter than a No. 2 lead pencil. A small incision is made in the groin that allows access to the femoral artery and allows passage of the carrier system up into the aorta. The plastic sheath is then retracted which uncovers the cloth covered metal stent made of Nitinol TM . Self expansion insures a tight seal proximally and allows the seating of anchoring hooks located along the periphery of the stent graft. Both aid in the prevention of graft migration.
Additional sheath is retracted which allows expansion of the long legged limb into the iliac artery.
Tight connections are insured by balloon expansion which then excludes the aneurysm sac from the aortic circulation. Patients must be carefully studied by spiral CT with 3-D reconstruction and occasionally biplanar aortography to determine their suitability for the use of this new technique. Like any new procedure, there are known and unknown risks associated with aortic stent graft placement. These problems have been noted infrequently during the recent worldwide experience. Overall the mortality and morbidity associated with the endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms appears to be about half of those associated with the standard open repair.