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 providers
Location: Change location Enter your location
Cardiac Surgery
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Thelma Dianne Aguilar, AGACNP
Cardiac Surgery
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Keki Balsara, MD
Cardiac Surgery
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Brian Thomas Bethea, MD
Cardiac Surgery
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Ashley Chenoweth, AGACNP-BC
Cardiac Surgery
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Jeffrey E. Cohen, MD
Cardiac Surgery
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John V Conte, MD
Cardiac Surgery
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Susan L. Davis, ACNP-BC
Cardiac Surgery
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Rachel E Harrison, MD
Cardiac Surgery
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Maria Gina Heyrana
Cardiac Surgery
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Dureaden Khan, PA
Cardiac Surgery
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Jane Lashley, ACNP-BC
Thoracic Surgery & Cardiac Surgery
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Thomas Edward MacGillivray, MD
Cardiac Surgery
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Stacey Elizabeth Miller, ANP-BC
Cardiac Surgery
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Susan Thornton Oyola, AGACNP-BC
Cardiac Surgery
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Christian Charles Shults, MD
Valvular Disease Cardiology, Structural Heart Disease Cardiology & Cardiac Surgery
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Elizabeth C. Sullivan, ANP-BC, CRNP
Cardiac Surgery
Show All Cardiac Surgery
Our locations
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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.