Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) Procedure

As leaders in minimally invasive aortic procedures, we offer TEVAR to treat thoracic aortic aneurysms. The TEVAR procedure is a less invasive alternative to open chest surgery. It offers less pain and a shorter recovery.

What Is Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair Surgery?

The aorta is the body’s largest artery. It delivers oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) surgery treats problems with the part of the aorta that runs through the chest (thoracic aorta).

A weak or worn aortic wall can cause it to burst or tear (aortic dissection). TEVAR is a minimally invasive way to prevent this serious complication. It uses a graft (thin tube) to return the aorta to a normal size and strengthen its walls.

Why You Might Need TEVAR?

TEVAR procedures treat:

• Aortic ulcer (when plaque wears down the aortic wall)
• Thoracic aortic aneurysm (a bulging area in the thoracic aorta)

TEVAR: The Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Advantage

Our doctors are not only aortic disease experts; they become experts in you as well. Before your first visit, they get up to speed on your situation by reviewing your records and imaging scans and talking to your referring physician. That way, your first conversation can focus on what matters: addressing your unique challenges and concerns.

You can also expect:

• Expert doctors: Skilled cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons work together to perform your TEVAR procedure. These surgeons are nationally recognized for high-quality care and innovation. Their uncommon expertise and skill make it possible for advanced procedures like TEVAR to be available in the Lancaster region.
• Hybrid operating room (OR): Hybrid ORs have special equipment that let heart and vascular surgeons and interventional cardiologists operate together. Hybrid procedures provide options for people who aren’t eligible for open-chest aortic surgery alone or TEVAR alone. By combining the two, people get the best of both worlds: the repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms in challenging locations, fewer complications and faster recoveries. We can offer hybrid options in the Lancaster region because we are one of the only hospitals in Lancaster County with a hybrid OR.
• Easy access to exceptional care: You get the benefits of an academic medical center in a community setting. From easy appointment scheduling to multiple ways to communicate with your doctor, we get you the care you need—minus the hassle and red tape.
• Cardiac and vascular rehab: Cardiac and vascular rehab can help you recover faster and optimize your quality of life after an aortic procedure. We offer comprehensive, personalized plans from the Heart Group cardiologists and certified rehabilitation specialists. We also offer a rapid rehab program for people who need to return to work and regular activities sooner.

How TEVAR Surgery Works

During TEVAR surgery, your medical team either numbs your groin area or puts you under anesthesia to keep you comfortable during the procedure. Then your doctor:

1. Makes a tiny incision in your groin to access a blood vessel
2. Threads a catheter (long, thin tube) through that blood vessel and up to the aorta
3. Uses the catheter and X-rays to place the TEVAR graft in the affected part of the aorta
4. Secures the TEVAR graft in place so blood flows through it instead of the aneurysm
5. Takes out the catheter and closes the incision

Benefits of the TEVAR Procedure

The TEVAR procedure helps you avoid open chest surgery. As a result, you should experience:

• Less risk for surgical complications like infection and bleeding
• Less scarring
• Less pain
• Shorter recovery

Make an Appointment

To schedule a TEVAR consultation, call 717-544-4995.