Endovascular Stent
Endovascular aneurysm repair is a procedure using an endovascular stent to repair thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) or abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). If an aortic aneurysm is at risk of rupture or has already ruptured, open abdominal or open chest surgery will be necessary.
Dr. Schorlemmer has been performing endovascular procedures for nearly 20 years utilizing state of the art equipment and well honed surgical judgement to provide the safest and best results for his patients.
He is the only surgeon in Utah certified to place the GORE TAG® endograph for thoracic aortic aneurysm and he has the state's largest experience with the GORE EXCLUDER® graft for abdominal aneurysm repair.
Aortic aneurysm repair using an endovascular stent is a minimally invasive procedure. Using catheters, Dr. Schorlemmer is able to securely place a stent graft into the aorta to stabilize the artery and reinforce the weakened section of the arterial walls.
Dr. Schorlemmer begins the procedure by making a small incision in the groin and inserting the catheter into an artery. The catheter is then moved into the aorta to the aneurysm. The stent graft is threaded into the aneurysm where it is expanded and fastened into place. The stent creates a stable channel for blood flow and can prevent the aneurysm from further damage and rupture.
Recovery time after endovascular repair is quick. Most patients go home the day after surgery. Since the repair procedure does not require open chest or open abdominal surgery, some surgical risks are reduced. Due to location and size, not all aneurysms can currently be repaired using an endovascular stent graft, but Dr. Schorlemmer has access to new innovations as they become available and he believes that soon open surgery will be a thing of the past.