Similar to abdominal aortic aneurysms, rupture prevention is the primary goal of surgery. However, these cases frequently involve important branch vessels that cannot be covered with a stent graft. Therefore, open surgery is required for these extensive aneurysm cases. At Loma Linda University Medical Center, we have pioneered a new method for surgical repair of these types of aneurysms that greatly improves patient survival and outcome. Experience has demonstrated encouraging results and Dr. Jeffrey L. Ballard continues to develop innovative treatment strategies designed to minimize complications associated with this challenging surgical procedure.
Preoperative arteriography is required in most cases.
These cases are generally quite complex therefore a vascular specialist will perform these types of reconstructive procedures. Postoperative hospital stay is similar to open aneurysm surgery and surgical follow-up can be done with duplex ultrasound in almost all cases. Exercise induced leg pain, non-healing ulceration, nighttime foot pain, gangrene or diabetic foot problems may require bypass surgery to cure or ameliorate the disease process. Treatment of these chronic lower extremity problems is complex. Often this requires care well beyond that of just a surgical procedure and less invasive, non-surgical endovascular treatment may be a viable option in selected cases.