Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

A summary of findings from the Cochrane Library with implications for critical care nursing

What is the effectiveness of endovascular aneurysm repair versus conventional open surgical repair in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm considered fit for surgery, and endovascular aneurysm repair versus best medical care in those considered unfit for surgery?

The abdominal aorta is one of the body’s large blood vessels that supplies blood to the major organs in the chest and abdomen. When this vessel abnormally enlarges (dilates) or balloons outward, it is referred to as an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Because of the large amount of blood supplied by the abdominal aorta, if an AAA ruptures, it is often fatal. Therefore, repairing a AAA before any kind of rupture is critical. The current standard is that AAAs that are larger than 5.5 cm are usually surgically treated and repaired.

There...