Short for Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair, TEVAR is often used to fix an aneurysm in the part of the aorta that is in your chest, also known as the thoracic area.
The aorta is your body’s largest artery. It carries oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body going from your heart through your chest and into your abdomen. It then divides into blood vessels that provide blood flow to your legs. Sometimes, a weak area of the aorta bulges out, this is called an aortic aneurysm. An aneurysm of the aorta is serious because it can burst. The risk of bursting increases as the aneurysm grows. Treatment depends on the size of the aneurysm, and how fast it’s growing.
TEVAR is a minimally invasive surgery, which means it’s done with a small incision. A stent graft—a metal tube covered in fabric—is used to reinforce the aneurysm. The stent helps prevent the aneurysm from bursting. A vascular surgeon and a team of specialized healthcare providers will perform the surgery.
As with any procedure, problems can occur. Some possible complications may include:
You may have other risks depending on your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before the procedure.