Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair 

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a minimally invasive procedure to repair the aorta.  The aorta is the largest artery in your body. When an aneurysm (a weak, bulging area) occurs in the aorta, it should be taken seriously because it can burst. Treatment is a procedure called thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), a minimally invasive surgery that is performed through a small incision. 

Conditions Treated 

The most common reason why TEVAR is performed is to treat weakening or ballooning of the aortic wall, known as an aneurysm. Other reasons this procedure may be done include: 

• Separation of one of the aorta's three layers (dissection) 
• Narrowing of the inside of the aorta (stenosis) 
• Damage to the aorta from trauma, such as a car accident 

Procedure Details

To help repair the aorta, doctors will make a small puncture in the groin and insert a device known as a stent graft. This device is made of a fabric-covered metal mesh which is fully opened under X-ray. It will be guided to the aorta using guidewires and catheters.  The stent graft repairs the diseased aorta and helps to keep it open and allow blood to flow properly to the rest of the body. 

What to Expect 

As with any procedure, complications can occur. Some possible complications of thoracic endovascular aortic repair surgery may include: 

• Infection
• Bleeding 
• Injury to nearby organs 
• Blood clots 

Effectiveness 

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair is quite effective; the rate of successfully placing the stent and covering the aneurysm or tear is 98% to 99%. Tampa General Hospital’s Heart & Vascular Institute and its vascular doctors are capable of expertly performing this procedure.