Image-Guided Procedure for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA)
A new, image-guided procedure offers a less-invasive treatment option for many patients suffering from abdominal aortic aneurysms, or AAA. These are weak, bulging portions of the largest blood vessel in the body called the aorta. If they burst, the patient often dies – only about 50 percent of the patients reach the emergency room alive. Some 15,000 people die from AAA annually in the U.S.; about 1.5 million Americans have such aneurysms.
Fewer hospital, ICU, recuperation days
with less-invasive AAA repair |
| |
IMAGING-GUIDED
ENDOVASCULAR REPAIR |
OPEN SURGERY |
| Procedure time |
1-2 hours |
2-4 hours |
| Abdominal incision |
None |
12-15 inches |
| Blood transfusion |
None |
2 units |
| Hospital stay |
3 days |
9 days |
| Intensive care days |
None |
3 days |
| Home recovery |
1 week |
6-8 weeks |
| Complication rate |
Low |
High |
| Post-procedure quality of life |
High |
Low |
| Long-term clinical outcomes |
>5 years |
>20 years |
| Procedure cost |
$15,000-$20,000 |
$28,000-$34,000 |
| Hospital cost |
$3,600 |
$14,700 |
|
Source: "Robust Growth is Forecast for Endovascular Repair of AAAs," by Haimovitch L, Patterson N; Cardiovascular Device Update, Vol 9; No 8; 1-9, August 2003 |
Until recently, the only option for treating this condition was major surgery, requiring an incision that stretched from the patient's breastbone to the pubic bone. Recovery required 1-2 days in intensive care, 7-12 days in the hospital, and 4-6 weeks of recuperation.1 Medical imaging is enabling a new endovascular treatment option that helps workers recuperate faster and get back on the job in less time.2 X-ray imaging, as well as ultrasound, MRI, and CT, are being used to help physicians guide stents to the location of the aneurysms. The stents reinforce the weakened artery wall. The documented benefits include:
- Shorter hospital stays
- Less blood loss during surgery
- Fewer complications following surgery
- Shorter recovery time
This image-guided repair for AAA is a new procedure that appears to be appropriate for some patients, but not for others. Research is continuing on its long-term performance, but in the short-term it was found to be cost-saving, with fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery periods.3
1 "Endografts Help Prevent Deaths from Abdominal Aneurysms," William D, University of Michigan, Radiological Society of North America, Slide Presentation, June 19, 2003. Also, "From the Brink of Death," Egan ME, Forbes, p. 111, March 2004.
2 "Treatments: Think Small and Get Back to Work Fast," by Santmire H, Houston Business Journal, July 24, 2000
3 "Endografts Help Prevent Deaths from Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms," Radiological Society of North America, June 19, 2003.
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