Fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (FEVAR) is a form of endovascular surgery using a custom-designed graft to support both the aorta and arteries that branch off to the heart and kidneys.

An aortic aneurysm is caused by the force of blood against a weakened spot in your artery wall. Over time, pressure can cause the artery to enlarge and double its normal size. Surgical repair can reduce your risk for serious complications.

However, when an aneurysm is located near an organ such as your kidneys, there often isn’t much room for surgeons to work with. Due to the tight positioning of tissue, organs and arteries around your aorta, traditional techniques, including some forms of minimally invasive surgery, carry a higher risk for damage and severe bleeding.

FEVAR, recently approved by the FDA, makes it possible to treat aortic aneurysms that had previously been inoperable.

Using a computed tomography (CT) scan of your aorta, our vascular surgeons create a custom-designed graft with fenestrations (holes). These fenestrations correspond to the unique positioning of the arteries in your body that branch off from the aorta to the kidneys, small bowel and liver. We can place additional stents through the holes in the graft to support your unique anatomy.

Your fenestrated endovascular repair treatment options depend on a variety of factors, including the size of your aneurysm. You and your doctor will decide which one is right for you.

 

FEVAR Expertise at Wake Forest Baptist

At Wake Forest Baptist, we are proud to be among a handful of hospitals in North Carolina using FEVAR. Due to our active role in national research and clinical trials, surgeons at the Heart and Vascular Center were among a select group of hospitals to test this new device.