Aortic Aneurysms are a swelling of the largest artery in the body, the aorta. We use (tools) to safely and effectively remove Aortic Aneurysms without incident. 

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Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR)

Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) is a laparoscopic procedure that involves inserting a graft into the aneurysm through small incisions. The procedure uses X-rays to guide the graft into place, and requires no abdominal surgery. 


What is EVAR?

EVAR is a relatively new method to repair Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAAs) using much smaller incisions. The result is a procedure that is safer for the patient and faster to recover from.

How is it different from surgery?

Traditional open surgery uses a large abdominal incision to expose the aorta. The aorta is clamped above and below the aneurysm, and then a synthetic (Dacron) graft is sewn in place. The procedure has been performed for over 50 years with excellent long term results. The in-hospital mortality for this procedure is 4-5%. After surgery, most patients spend 1-2 days in the ICU and then 7-10 days in the hospital. Most people require 1-2 months before they have fully recovered.

What is the advantage of EVAR?

EVAR does not usually require an abdominal incision and therefore patients have less pain and are usually discharged home a day or two after the surgery. In addition, the mortality following EVAR is approximately 2%.

Will I require checkups after EVAR?

Yes. To ensure the stent-graft stays in the proper position, a combination of CT scan and ultrasounds are used to monitor you. You will probably have a CT scan at 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year, then annually. Dr. Dueck will help you decide what is right for you.

What if there is a problem?

Approximately 10-15% of patients will require some sort of additional intervention following EVAR. This is usually an angiogram which is done under a local anesthetic. Requiring open surgery following EVAR is rare.

What tests will I need before surgery?

All patients have standard tests that include bloodwork, a chest x-ray, and an electrocardiogram (EKG).  In order to plan for their surgery, most patients undergo a CT scan (or CAT scan). Using the CT scan, detailed images of the aneurysm are produced.  Some patients also have an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) or stress test (treadmill test). 

What does the screening process entail?

Most aneurysms do not cause any symptoms, and may even rupture before they are detected. To avoid these dangerousruptures, ultrasound screening for aneurysms has been recommended following multiple large, international trails. All men over the age of 60 who have ever smoked, should have a single abdominal ultrasound to check for an aneurysm. 


Aneurysms have a mild familial association, and therefore all first degree relatives of patients with an aortic aneurysm should have an ultrasound at age 55 or older.

How do I know if I qualify?



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1805 Queen Street East, Toronto M4L 3Y3

fax (416) 259-7975
Phone (416) 691-2030