Endovascular surgical repair is the treatment of vascular disease from within a blood vessel versus an “open” procedure which requires major surgery from outside of the body. Endovascular surgery involves inserting a catheter (containing miniature instruments or medications) directly into a blood vessel through a small incision in the groin. The catheter is then guided through the body to X-ray the vessel that requires treatment
The following are some conditions that can be repaired using an endovascular procedure:
Vascular and endovascular surgeons at the Heart & Vascular Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) are at the forefront of vascular surgical care for patients requiring endovascular repair. Our board certified surgeons’ experience and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of specialists enable them to handle the most complicated cases.
With 47,000 outpatient visits each year, the Heart & Vascular Center is one of the largest in the United States, treating over 7,000 inpatients and performing more than 8,000 procedures annually at our state-of-the-art Shapiro Cardiovascular Center.
After a small incision is made in the groin, a catheter (a long, thin, hollow tube guided by X-ray) is inserted into a blood vessel and then threaded internally up to the area to be repaired.
An endovascular repair has a lower risk than conventional or open surgery, is generally well tolerated, and results in a shorter hospital stay, generally about two days. There are certain anatomic requirements for an endovascular repair and not all patients have appropriate anatomy for this procedure.
The Heart & Vascular Center is located in the Shapiro Cardiovascular Center, across the street from BWH’s main 75 Francis Street entrance. The Center brings together the full range of services in one location, fostering seamless and coordinated care for all cardiovascular patients.
Prior to your procedure, you will likely be scheduled for a visit to the Watkins Clinic in the Shapiro Cardiovascular Center for preoperative information and tests.
The day of the procedure, your care will be provided by surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses who specialize in vascular surgery. After your procedure, you will go to the post-surgical care unit where you will receive comprehensive care by an experienced surgical and nursing staff.
During your procedure, family and friends can wait in the Shapiro Family Center where staff members will provide surgery updates.
In addition to our vascular surgeons, patients also benefit from the teamwork of medical cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, cardiovascular imaging experts and radiologists, and anesthesiologists, all experts in vascular disorders. They work alongside nurses, physician assistants, physical therapists, dietitians and social workers to achieve outstanding outcomes for our patients.
Visit the Kessler Health Education Library in the Bretholtz Center for Patients and Families.
Access a complete directory of patient and family services.
Learn about the Watkins Clinic in the Shapiro Center for pre-operative information and tests.
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