What is an endovascular stent graft?
An endovascular stent graft is similar to other stenting procedures like carotid stenting or angioplasty stenting . A metal, mesh tube (stent) is inserted into your artery.
A stent graft functions a little differently than a standard stent. Not only does it hold open a blood vessel to ensure proper circulation, it also reinforces the weakened walls of the blood vessel to keep it from rupturing.
Why are endovascular stent grafts used?
Endovascular stent grafts are like patches used to repair an artery. They restore the integrity of the blood vessel, holding it together when it’s been torn, damaged or weakened by a variety of conditions:
- Hardening of the arteries
- High blood pressure
- Injuries
- Connective tissue disorders
One of the most common reasons for endovascular grafting is to fix an aneurysm. An aneurysm is when your artery walls are so weak that the pressure from the blood flow causes them to balloon up. Untreated, the artery can burst, causing severe internal bleeding that can lead to death.
What are the risks of getting an endovascular stent graft?
Like other stent placement procedures, endovascular stenting is minimally invasive. Therefore, the risks and complications are much lower than surgical options to repair the arteries. You may have some leakage of blood around the site of the graft. Or the graft can move out of place or break. Paralysis, infection and delayed rupture of an aneurysm are rarer still.
It is completely normal to experience side effects from the procedure, like tiredness, inflammation and even a low-grade fever as your body adjusts to the change in blood flow through the stent graft.
How do you prepare for endovascular stenting?
The procedure to place stent grafts inside your arteries takes just a few hours. The preparation takes several days. You may undergo a variety of tests to evaluate the extent of the problems with your artery, as well as the health of your heart and body to ensure it’s safe to proceed with the procedure.
What kind of results can I expect from an endovascular stent graft?
The outcomes of endovascular stenting are favorable. Your risk of a ruptured artery is reduced, and you can resume a normal lifestyle. You won’t notice that there’s anything different inside your body or with your daily activities.
If your endovascular stent graft was placed to repair an aneurysm, lifestyle changes may be necessary to maintain your health in the long run. It's important that you maintain a healthy diet and active lifestyle. Aneurysms, especially aortic aneurysms, increase your risk for heart disease and atherosclerosis. So, following a healthy diet and staying active through exercise are crucial to your prevention strategy.