Endovascular Surgery and Repair

Endovascular repair is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), a form of vascular disease. Vascular diseases affect your circulatory system, including your arteries and veins. These diseases include hardened or narrowed arteries (atherosclerosis) and aortic aneurysms. Left untreated, these conditions increase your risk for heart attack and stroke. Unlike vascular surgery, endovascular repair is done through needle puncture and sheath versus an incision, making it less invasive.

Vascular surgeons and specialists at Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Cardiovascular Institute are renowned for their expertise in performing advanced endovascular treatments that lower your risk of life-threatening problems.

Endovascular procedures at Allegheny Health Network: Why choose us?

Endovascular treatments take place inside your arteries via a catheter (hollow tube) that your physician threads through the femoral artery in your groin. These less-invasive procedures are a good option if you can’t undergo an open surgical procedure due to health complications.

When you undergo endovascular therapy at AHN, you benefit from:

Minimally invasive procedures

We use minimally invasive heart surgery techniques when possible. This approach reduces your risk of infection and scarring and can speed the recovery process. Your physician will discuss the best surgical option for you.

Depth of expertise

Our vascular experts work collaboratively with other physicians at the Cardiovascular Institute to provide you with exemplary medical care.

Care that focuses on you

We listen to your concerns and customize a treatment plan with your needs in mind. When appropriate, you may choose to participate in clinical trials for new therapies via the AHN Cardiovascular Research Institute.

Advanced endovascular procedures at AHN

Our vascular surgeons have deep expertise performing a variety of endovascular therapies including:

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair

Aneurysms occur when blood pools in a weakened part of the aortic wall, causing a bulge. A ruptured aneurysm can be fatal. AAA surgery can be done the following ways:

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR)

During EVAR surgery, your physician places a stent-graft (small mesh tube) at the site of the abdominal aortic aneurysm via a catheter inserted into the femoral artery in your groin. The stent-graft alleviates pressure on the aneurysm site. 

Open repair

Your surgeon will make a large incision in the abdomen and use a graft to repair the abdomen.

Thoracic EVAR (TEVAR)

This procedure is used to treat aneurysms in the chest or upper part of your aorta. Learn more about aortic disease.

Thrombectomy

Your physician uses a small device to break up or remove a blood clot. Our surgeons were the first in the region to offer the Lutonix® 035 drug-coated balloon catheter to deliver blood clot-dissolving medication directly into a blocked artery using a single balloon inflation.

Angioplasty and stent placement

Your physician uses a small balloon device inserted through a catheter in your femoral artery to open a blocked artery. A stent, or small mesh tube, is placed to keep the artery open. You may need this procedure for carotid artery disease or peripheral artery disease.

Contact us

No referral

If you do not have a referral for an endovascular procedure, call (412) DOCTORS (412) 362-8677 to schedule an appointment with a general cardiologist to be evaluated.

Scheduling a procedure

If you have a referral for an endovascular procedure, contact the team at the facility where you want to have the procedure completed: