Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Repair (FVAR)

What is FVAR?

Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Repair (FVAR) is a specialized minimally invasive procedure designed to treat complex aortic aneurysms that involve branch arteries. FVAR uses a custom-made stent graft with fenestrations (holes) to maintain blood flow to critical arteries, such as the renal and mesenteric arteries, while repairing the aneurysm.

Key Differentiators

Custom-designed stent grafts to accommodate individual anatomy
Preserves blood flow to vital organs
Minimally invasive approach with smaller incisions
Effective for treating complex aortic aneurysms

Indications for FVAR

FVAR is indicated for patients with:

Complex Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: Involving branch arteries
Juxtarenal Aneurysms: Located near the renal arteries
Thoracoabdominal Aneurysms: Extending across the thoracic and abdominal aorta
Failed Open Surgical Repairs: Requiring a less invasive solution

How is FVAR Performed?

The FVAR procedure involves the following steps:

Pre-Procedure Planning: Imaging studies and 3D modeling to design a custom fenestrated stent graft.
Access: Small incisions in the groin or arms to access blood vessels.
Placement: Deployment of the custom stent graft using advanced imaging for precise positioning.
Fixation: Ensuring the fenestrations align with branch arteries to maintain blood flow.
Closure: Sealing the entry points and confirming the stability of the graft.

Benefits of FVAR

Preserves blood flow to vital organs
Minimally invasive procedure with reduced recovery time
Customizable to match patient-specific anatomy
Effective for treating otherwise inoperable aneurysms

Risks and Complications

Potential risks of FVAR include:

Endoleak: Blood leakage around the stent graft
Graft Misalignment: Incorrect positioning of fenestrations
Kidney Function Issues: Due to reduced blood flow during the procedure
Infection: Rare but possible at the incision site
Blood Clots: Formation of clots near the treated area

Recovery After FVAR

Key aspects of recovery include:

Monitoring in the hospital for 1-3 days
Gradual resumption of daily activities within 2-3 weeks
Regular imaging follow-ups to ensure graft stability
Medications to manage blood pressure and prevent complications

Conclusion

FVAR is a groundbreaking approach for treating complex aortic aneurysms. With its personalized design and minimally invasive nature, it offers hope to patients who may not be candidates for open surgical repair, ensuring better outcomes and improved quality of life.