Fenestrated Aortic Aneurysm Repair | Endografts | MedStar Health

Personalized stents called endografts for aneurysms that involve multiple branches of the aorta

Aneurysms that are located where the aorta branches off to provide blood to the kidneys, intestines, and liver require customized repairs. The doctors in our Complex Aortic Center evaluate patients using 3-D reconstruction to obtain the high level of detail needed to precisely create custom stents called fenestrated endografts.

We are one of just a few hospitals in the United States that perform the minimally invasive procedure to place these stents, which include pathways for each branch. These personalized stents are made up of one larger stent placed in the aorta and smaller stents connected to it that are placed within each affected artery.

What can I expect with the procedure?

Your doctor will ask you to not eat or drink before the procedure and will clarify whether you should take your regular medications. An IV will be inserted in your arm or hand to provide fluids, medication, and a sedative to help you relax during the procedure.

You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the areas where thin, flexible tubes called catheters will be inserted. The surgeon will make punctures for the catheters in your groin area or arm. Using X-ray guidance, the surgeon will route the large aortic stent to the aorta and place it. A contrast dye may be injected to improve the X-ray image quality.

After the main stent is placed, the smaller stents will be guided into place in the same way and connected to the main stent. Then the surgeon will remove the catheters. You will be taken to the recovery area to be monitored. You may need to stay in the hospital for 1-3 days, depending on the number of stents placed.

Conditions

Aortic Aneurysm

An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of the aorta, the body’s largest artery, which carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Aortic Arch Aneurysm

An aortic arch aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of the curve of the candy cane-shaped aorta, the body’s largest artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Tests

Abdominal Duplex Ultrasound

Abdominal duplex ultrasound is a combination of a traditional and Doppler ultrasound that assesses the blood vessels in your abdomen for blockages or aneurysms.

Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan

The cardiac computed tomography scan, or cardiac CT, uses X-rays to create three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging, better known as cardiac MRI, is a combination of radio waves, magnets, and computer technology to create images of your heart and blood vessels.

Our locations

Distance from Change locationEnter your location

MedStar Union Memorial Hospital

201 E. University Pkwy.
Baltimore, MD 21218

MedStar Washington Hospital Center

110 Irving St. NW
Washington, DC 20010

Additional information

Complex Aortic Center

Partner with a recognized leader in offering care and disease management for the most complex aortic disorders.

Ask MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute

Have general questions for our heart and vascular program? Email us at AskMHVI@medstar.net. If you have clinically-specific questions, please contact your physician’s office.