Endovascular treatment of an aneurysm or torn artery (placement of a stent or endoprosthesis)
During placement of a stent the doctor inserts a non-permeable stent via the arteries in your groin and fixes this in the centre of the aneurysm or dissection. This allows the blood to flow through the stent. The stent strengthens the wall of the artery so the risk of a rupture or dissection in the artery is reduced.
Leading centre
Due to its extensive expertise in endovascular treatment of aneurysms and arterial dissections, the UZ Brussel Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases is one of the few centres that is allowed to place these expensive stents. The UZ Brussel Aorta Clinic therefore receives a large number of referrals from centres in the surrounding area.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the benefits of the procedure?
- When is the procedure used?
- What follow-up takes place after the procedure?
- Is the procedure reimbursed?
What are the benefits of the procedure?
- Placement of a stent requires only small incisions or none at all.
- There is little blood loss.
- The recovery time and the length of stay in hospital is short (2 to 5 days).
- The risk of complications is very low, and it is therefore a much safer procedure than the traditional treatment with open surgery.
When is the procedure used?
Not all aneurysms or arterial dissections are eligible for endovascular treatment. In some cases an open repair (the traditional surgical technique) is the only treatment option.
What follow-up takes place after the procedure?
Follow-up is needed after the procedure to identify any leaks. Leaks can almost always be treated successfully. These expensive stents are reimbursed as long as the patient gives a commitment to come in for a check-up every year. A CT scan of the aorta is needed every year to monitor recovery from the aneurysm.
Is the procedure reimbursed?
The endograft is quite expensive (+/- 5000 to 8000 euros), but it is fully reimbursed by the health insurer as long as certain criteria are met.