Aneurysm Repair Surgery
Definition
Aneurysm repair surgery is a procedure used to treat an aneurysm, which is a bulging or ballooning of a blood vessel caused by weakening of the vessel wall. An aneurysm can occur in any artery or vein in the body, but most commonly occurs in the brain and aorta. Open surgery for aneurysm repair can involve using a clip to close off the aneurysm or removing the damaged section of the blood vessel and replacing it with a synthetic graft. Endovascular repair involves the use of a catheter to insert either a coil into the aneurysm, which will block off the blood flow and cause it to clot, or a stent graft, which is fabric -covered mesh tube that supports the weakened vessel. The goal of this type of surgery is to prevent the aneurysm from rupturing and causing serious health complications.