Last Updated on October 23, 2025 by mcelik
At Liv Hospital, we know how complex aortic aneurysms are. We also know how vital it is to pick the right treatment. Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) are two cutting-edge, minimally invasive methods. They are used to treat aneurysms in different parts of the aorta.
EVAR is mainly for abdominal aortic aneurysms. TEVAR is for thoracic aortic aneurysms. Both methods use a stent graft placed in the aorta through a catheter. This is done via the femoral artery. This method leads to a faster recovery than traditional open surgery.
It’s key to know the differences between EVAR vs TEVAR to choose the right treatment. Our team of experts is committed to giving personalized care. We aim for the best results for patients with these serious vascular conditions.
An aortic aneurysm is a bulge or weakening in the aorta’s wall. The aorta is the main artery that carries blood from the heart. This condition can cause serious problems if not treated.
Aortic aneurysms are divided into two main types. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA) happen below the chest, in the abdomen. Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms (TAA) occur in the chest. Knowing the type helps doctors choose the right treatment, like EVAR (Endovascular Aneurysm Repair) for AAA or TEVAR (Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair) for TAA.
Several things can increase your risk of getting an aortic aneurysm. These include smoking, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and a family history of aneurysms. Age is also a big factor, with most cases happening in people over 65. This makes it important to be aware and get screened, as aortic aneurysms are common among the elderly.
Untreated aortic aneurysms can lead to serious and life-threatening problems. The biggest risk is rupture, which can cause massive bleeding. The chance of rupture goes up as the aneurysm grows. So, finding and treating it early is key.
| Type of Aneurysm | Location | Common Treatment |
| Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) | Abdominal region | EVAR (Endovascular Aneurysm Repair) |
| Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA) | Chest area | TEVAR (Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair) |
Open surgery was once the only way to fix aortic aneurysms. Now, endovascular methods have changed the game. Open surgery means a big cut in the chest or belly to reach the aorta. It’s been the go-to for years.
Open surgery needs a big cut to get to the aorta. It’s been around for decades and works well but is risky. The invasive nature of open surgery means long hospital stays and more pain after.
New, less invasive methods have become popular. EVAR and TEVAR use a small cut in the groin to put in a stent graft. These methods cut down on recovery time and risks.
EVAR and TEVAR have changed how we treat aortic aneurysms. They let surgeons help patients who were once too risky for open surgery. This is thanks to endovascular techniques.
EVAR and TEVAR have changed how we treat aneurysms. They’re less invasive, leading to fewer problems and faster healing. This has made evar surgery and tevar medical abbreviation more common.
Today, we have more treatment options for patients. The choice between open surgery and endovascular repair depends on many things. This includes the patient’s health, the aneurysm’s size and location, and what the patient prefers.
Minimally invasive procedures have changed how we treat aortic aneurysms. They offer safer choices than traditional surgery. We’ll look at two key techniques: Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) and Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR).
EVAR fixes an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) through a small groin incision. A stent graft is inserted into the aorta. The stent graft strengthens the aortic wall, stopping the aneurysm from growing or rupturing. It’s great for those at high risk for open surgery or with complex aneurysms.
TEVAR treats thoracic aortic aneurysms in a similar way to EVAR. It uses a stent graft but the approach can vary. TEVAR is best for thoracic aortic aneurysms when open surgery is not suitable.
“The introduction of TEVAR has significantly improved the outcomes for patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms, providing a less invasive option than traditional surgery.”
— Cardiovascular Surgeon
EVAR and TEVAR share some key traits. Both are minimally invasive, using small incisions and stent grafts. They’re done under local or general anesthesia. This reduces recovery time and lowers the risk of complications compared to open surgery.
| Feature | EVAR | TEVAR |
| Aneurysm Location | Abdominal Aorta | Thoracic Aorta |
| Procedure Type | Minimally Invasive | Minimally Invasive |
| Anesthesia | Local/General | Local/General |
| Recovery Time | Reduced | Reduced |
EVAR and TEVAR are big steps forward in treating aortic aneurysms. They offer effective, less invasive options. As technology gets better, we’ll see even more improvements, helping more patients.
It’s important to know where EVAR and TEVAR are used for aortic aneurysms. The location and type of aneurysm play a big role in choosing the right treatment.
EVAR is made for treating abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). AAA happens when the aorta in the belly gets too big. EVAR is great for patients with AAA who have the right aortic shape, making it a less invasive fix.
The procedure puts a stent graft in the aorta to block blood flow to the aneurysm. This stops it from getting bigger and reduces the risk of rupture. Whether EVAR is right for AAA depends on the aneurysm’s size, where it is, and the patient’s blood vessel health.
TEVAR is for thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) in the chest. TAA can be deadly if they burst. TEVAR is a good choice for TAA patients who can’t have open surgery, as it’s less invasive.
Like EVAR, TEVAR uses a stent graft in the thoracic aorta to keep the aneurysm from getting blood. Choosing TEVAR depends on the aneurysm’s size, location, and the patient’s health.
Both EVAR and TEVAR need careful look at the aorta’s shape to work well. Problems like twisted or hard-to-reach vessels can make it hard to put the stent graft in place.
| Anatomical Factor | EVAR Considerations | TEVAR Considerations |
| Aneurysm Location | Abdominal aorta | Thoracic aorta |
| Aortic Neck Characteristics | Crucial for stent graft sealing | Important for stent graft anchoring |
| Vascular Access | Femoral artery access is common | Femoral or iliac artery access may be used |
In summary, picking between EVAR and TEVAR depends a lot on the aortic aneurysm’s shape. Knowing these details is key to picking the best treatment.
EVAR, or Endovascular Aneurysm Repair, is a complex procedure. It’s a minimally invasive way to fix abdominal aortic aneurysms. This method is a good alternative to traditional surgery.
Before starting the EVAR procedure, we do a lot of planning. We use CT angiography to look at the aneurysm and the area around it. This helps us pick the right stent graft size and shape for the patient’s aorta.
The imaging process includes:
The EVAR procedure has several steps:
There are many types of stent grafts for EVAR. Each is chosen based on the aneurysm’s size, shape, and location. We also consider the patient’s vascular anatomy.
Some common stent graft types include:
Choosing the right stent graft is key to a successful EVAR procedure. It helps improve patient outcomes.
TEVAR is a key treatment for thoracic aortic aneurysms. It’s less invasive than traditional surgery. The procedure uses a stent graft to block the aneurysm from growing or rupturing.
Before starting TEVAR, we do a lot of planning. We use CT scans and MRI to look at the aorta. This helps us plan the best way to do the procedure.
We check the size and location of the aneurysm. We also look at the aortic branches and the access vessels.
The TEVAR procedure happens in a special room with X-ray equipment. Here’s what happens:
There are many stent grafts for TEVAR, each with its own features. The right one depends on the aneurysm, the aortic branches, and the doctor’s choice.
| Stent Graft Type | Description | Key Features |
| Zenith Alpha | Designed for complex aortic anatomies | Active fixation, robust radial force |
| Gore TAG | Conformable stent graft for thoracic aorta | Flexible design, low profile |
| Medtronic Valiant | Stent graft with proximal bare metal stent | Improved fixation, reduced migration risk |
Knowing about the different stent grafts is key for a successful TEVAR.
Choosing the right patients is key for EVAR and TEVAR success. The right candidates depend on their body shape, health history, and overall well-being.
EVAR is best for those with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Ideal candidates have a good neck shape, easy access to iliac arteries, and no major blockages.
Those with tough necks or complex iliac arteries might need other treatments. Or, they might need special endovascular methods.
TEVAR is for thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) or other issues in the thoracic aorta. Ideal candidates have the right aorta shape, good access points, and low risk of problems.
TEVAR is often chosen for those at high risk for open surgery. Or for those who have had aortic surgery before.
Open surgery might be better than EVAR or TEVAR in some cases. This is for complex aortic shapes, those needing other surgeries, or those with certain tissue disorders.
Younger patients with low surgical risks might also choose open repair. This is because it could last longer.
When choosing a treatment for aortic aneurysms, it’s important to look at EVAR and TEVAR outcomes. Both have changed vascular surgery, making it less invasive and more beneficial. But, knowing how well they work in terms of survival, durability, and need for more surgery is vital.
Research shows EVAR and TEVAR both have high survival rates in the short term. EVAR is known for its low risk of death right after surgery, which is good for high-risk patients. TEVAR also has good short-term results, mainly for those with thoracic aortic aneurysms.
Looking at long-term results, both EVAR and TEVAR have shown promise. EVAR might face more late complications like endoleaks and graft migration. TEVAR, though, has shown strong long-term results with fewer late complications.
Reintervention rates help measure the success of EVAR and TEVAR over time. EVAR often needs more surgeries because of issues like endoleaks. TEVAR, while needing follow-up, has fewer surgeries needed.
In summary, EVAR and TEVAR are both good for treating aortic aneurysms, but they have different outcomes. Knowing these differences helps choose the best treatment for each patient.
It’s important to know the possible problems with EVAR and TEVAR. These procedures are less invasive but can have risks.
EVAR has its own set of issues. Some common ones are:
Dealing with these problems often needs imaging checks and sometimes more treatments.
TEVAR faces similar issues as EVAR but also has its own dangers. Some common problems are:
Good planning before surgery and watching the patient closely after are key to avoiding these risks.
Watching patients closely after EVAR and TEVAR is vital. This usually means regular scans to check for any issues.
| Surveillance Component | EVAR | TEVAR |
| Imaging Modality | CT Angiography | CT Angiography, possibly with MRI |
| Frequency | Usually every 6-12 months | Often every 6-12 months, based on first results |
| Purpose | Watch for endoleak, stent migration | Watch for endoleak, stent migration, signs of spinal cord ischemia |
Knowing these possible problems and following a strict watch plan can help improve results for patients having EVAR and TEVAR.
Recovering from EVAR or TEVAR is a detailed process. It includes immediate care, long-term checks, and lifestyle changes. A smooth recovery is key to the treatment’s success.
Patients are watched closely in a recovery unit for hours to overnight after EVAR or TEVAR. Immediate post-operative care focuses on pain management, watching for complications, and checking the patient’s health.
Important parts of immediate care are:
Long-term checks are vital to make sure the EVAR or TEVAR works well. Regular follow-up appointments help watch the aneurysm sac for any issues.
A typical long-term check includes:
| Follow-Up Item | Frequency | Purpose |
| CT Scan or Ultrasound | 1, 6, 12 months, then annually | Monitor for endoleak, sac size |
| Renal Function Tests | At each follow-up visit | Assess kidney health |
| Cardiovascular Risk Assessment | At each follow-up visit | Manage risk factors |
The effect of EVAR or TEVAR on a patient’s quality of life is important. Most patients get better quickly and can do normal things in a few weeks.
Things that affect quality of life include:
By managing these, healthcare providers can improve patient outcomes and quality of life after EVAR or TEVAR.
It’s important to know the costs of EVAR and TEVAR before deciding. These treatments can be pricey, and insurance coverage varies.
The cost of EVAR and TEVAR can change based on several things. This includes how long you stay in the hospital, the type of stent graft, and doctor fees. On average, EVAR costs range from $30,000 to $50,000. TEVAR can cost more, from $40,000 to $70,000 or more. These prices include tests before surgery, the surgery itself, hospital stay, and care after surgery.
Medicare and private insurance cover EVAR and TEVAR, but how much they cover can differ. Medicare usually covers a lot of the costs for those who qualify. This includes having the right kind of aneurysm and being at high risk for open surgery. Private insurance can vary a lot, with some plans covering more than others.
It’s key to check your insurance before getting either procedure. You should know about any costs you might have to pay, like deductibles and copays. Also, find out if you need pre-approval.
When picking between EVAR and TEVAR, money matters a lot. But it’s not the only thing to think about. You and your doctor should also think about possible complications, the chance of needing more surgery, and how it might affect your life.
By looking at these things, you can make a smart choice about your treatment. This way, you get the care you need while managing your money.
EVAR and TEVAR have changed how we treat aortic aneurysms. They offer new, less invasive ways to fix these problems. These methods need careful planning, precise execution, and ongoing care to work well.
Research shows EVAR and TEVAR can make arteries stiffer. TEVAR makes arteries 2–5 m/s stiffer, while EVAR makes them 1–3 m/s stiffer. The length of the stented area also matters, with longer parts having bigger effects.
A study on PubMed Central found that the material of the endograft matters. PTFE-based endografts cause less post-implantation syndrome than polyester-based ones.
As we keep improving endovascular surgery, new materials might solve current problems. Our talk shows EVAR and TEVAR are key in fixing aortic aneurysms. It’s vital to keep up with care and monitoring for the best results.
EVAR and TEVAR are both ways to fix aortic aneurysms. EVAR fixes the belly area, while TEVAR fixes the chest area. They are both less invasive than traditional surgery.
An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the aorta. It’s the main blood vessel from the heart to the body. If it bursts, it can cause severe bleeding and be deadly.
Risk factors include age, smoking, high blood pressure, family history, and certain genetic conditions. Knowing these helps catch aneurysms early.
These procedures start with small cuts in the groin. A stent graft is then put in to block the aneurysm. This stops it from getting bigger or bursting.
EVAR and TEVAR are less invasive. They mean shorter hospital stays, less pain, and faster recovery. They also lower the risk of surgery complications.
Complications include endoleak, stent graft issues, and vascular problems. Regular check-ups are key to catch these early.
Follow-ups, like CT scans, are needed to check the aneurysm and stent graft. The frequency depends on the doctor’s advice.
Yes, most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover EVAR and TEVAR for eligible patients. But, it’s best to check with your insurance.
Costs vary based on provider, location, and patient needs. But, insurance can help lower the cost for those who have it.
Yes, sometimes more treatment is needed if complications happen or if the aneurysm doesn’t get better. The decision to do more is made for each patient.
Recovery is faster than with open surgery. Most people can get back to normal in a few weeks. But, always follow your doctor’s recovery plan.