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After preparing a sterile field, the procedure will begin. The length of the incision will depend on which vein will be used for the repair. The operation time will range from 1.5 to 2.5 hours. The normal arteries above and below the aneurysm are exposed and joined together using the harvested vein. The aneurysm is then isolated and opened to clear its contents. At the end of the procedure, patients are transferred to the recovery bay.
After the initial recovery period in the recovery bay, patients are usually transferred back to their original ward. Oral intake is allowed early on. The epidural catheter is kept for one to two more days to control the operation pain. Once the epidural catheter is removed, patient, can start mobilising.
Unless there is a pre-existing major cardiac or respiratory problems, patients will tolerate this procedure well. Most of the potential complications of this procedure are related to the operation site. The most serious of these complications is graft failure. There are various reasons for this to happen some of which are treatable. If attempts at restoring graft patency fail, limb loss becomes a serious possibility. Other complications include bleeding and wound infection.
Admission: Day before procedure Anaesthetic: Epidural Stay in hospital: 8-10 days Time off work: 4-6 weeks First follow-up appointment: 6 weeks |
A large popliteal aneurysm.
The aneurysm is bypassed using a vein graft
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