San Jacinto Methodist Hospital now performing endovascular aortic aneurysm repair procedureBaytown, TX - 7/6/2011
To more effectively repair aortic aneurysms San Jacinto Methodist Hospital is now performing an endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) procedure, under the direction of board-certified vascular surgeon Jacobo Nurko, M.D.
An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the section of the aorta, one of the main vessels to the heart. Aortic aneurysms are known throughout the medical community as a "silent killer" because there are little to no symptoms associated with this type of aneurysm. If left untreated, aortic aneurysms can rupture and cause serious injury or death.
The endovascular procedure is a minimally invasive alternative to repair this type of aneurysm. The physician makes small incisions in the groin to perform a catheter based procedure where a stent graft (endoprosthesis) is positioned inside the aorta to isolate the aneurysm from the circulation and prevent it from rupture.
This redirects the blood flow relieving the pressure to the bulging area of the artery. Because the technique is minimally invasive, patients considered a high risk for surgery can tolerate this procedure.
"The EVAR procedure is considered the gold standard repair, when certain anatomical considerations are met," says Nurko. "In the past, repairing an aortic aneurysm was a lot more invasive and much harder on the patient and the physician.
The results are equally effective, with the advantage that the EVAR allows for a much quicker recovery and faster return to daily activities."
Eighty-year-old William Nelson, who recently underwent the EVAR procedure at San Jacinto, is thrilled with the outcome. "I'm feeling fine and am enjoying life. I can't wait to swing the golf club soon," he says.
Nurko is a specialist in vascular surgery. He completed his residency in general surgery the University of Arkansas for Medical Science in Little Rock. In addition, he finished his fellowship training in vascular surgery at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a Methodist Cardiovascular Associate, affiliated with the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center.