Lipp Vis Nursing ChaptLWBK1630_C02_p013-068

62  Chapter 2 • Cardiovascular Care

Aortic Aneurysm Resection

VASCULAR INTERVENTIONS Aortic Aneurysm Resection Aortic aneurysm resection involves removing an aneurysmal segment of the aorta. The surgeon first makes an incision to expose the aneurysm site. He then clamps the aorta, resects the aneurysm, and repairs the damaged portion of the aorta by sewing a prosthetic graft into place.

Vena cava Aorta Aortic clamp

Kidney

Renal artery

Ureter

Incisions to open aneurysm sac

Common iliac artery Iliac clamp

Aortic graft sewn into place

Aortic Endovascular Stent Graft A O R T O - I L I A C S T E N T G R A F T

Aortic Endovascular Stent Graft Endovascular stent grafting is a minimally invasive procedure used to repair AAA and other aneurysmal arteries by reinforcing the vessel walls. The surgeon uses fluoroscopic guidance to insert a delivery catheter with an attached compressed graft through a small incision into the iliac or femoral artery. The catheter is advanced into the aorta and positioned across the aneurysm below the renal arteries. The stent graft prevents blood from entering the aneurysmal area of the artery but maintains blood flow distally. This helps prevent the aneurysm from enlarging and possibly rupturing.

Right renal artery

Left renal artery Stent graft

Aortic aneurysm

Right iliac artery

Left iliac artery aneurysm