What is Endovascular Surgery?
Unlike conventional open surgery, endovascular surgery is performed without making large incisions in the body. Instead, it is carried out through a pinhole-sized access site, typically via a blood vessel in the groin region.
The core of this modality relies on high-tech equipment that ensures the success of the procedure:
- Advanced Imaging (Angiography): The procedure is performed under real-time, high-resolution X-ray guidance (Fluoroscopy). The surgeon monitors the intravascular lumen on large digital displays.
- Stent-Graft Technology: These are specialized, fabric-covered metal mesh frameworks deployed inside the vessel to treat vessel dilations (Aneurysms).
- Catheters and Guidewires: These are highly advanced, ultra-thin, flexible, and low-friction materials engineered to navigate through the complex vascular network.
- Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS): Miniature sensors that emit acoustic (sound) waves from within the blood vessel to acquire internal cross-sectional images, allowing the surgeon to evaluate the quality and morphology of the vessel wall.
Clinical Applications: What is it Used For?
This technology is utilized primarily in the treatment of the following life-threatening conditions:
- Aneurysm Repair: It repairs the main artery of the body (Aorta) from within the vessel if it balloons or dilates in the abdominal or thoracic cavities (EVAR / TEVAR).
- Vascular Occlusions: Re-opening stenotic (narrowed) areas in the peripheral arteries of the legs or the carotid arteries using stents or angioplasty balloons.
- Acute Stroke Intervention: The mechanical extraction (thrombectomy) of blood clots directly from within the cerebral arteries.
- Varicose Vein Treatment: Endovenous ablation (closure) of varicose veins from within the vessel using advanced laser or radiofrequency technology.
