Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) treats abdominal aortic aneurysms using minimally invasive techniques to reduce the risk of rupture. At Atrium Vascular Associates, board-certified vascular and endovascular surgeon Dr. Sydney Wong guides you through personalized evaluation, treatment planning, and careful long-term follow-up care.
Repair Weakened Sections of the
Abdominal Aorta
Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms, which are weakened, bulging areas in the aorta. Instead of open surgery, EVAR uses small punctures in the groin to deliver a stent graft through the vessels. This graft lines the inside of the aorta, redirects blood flow, and reduces pressure on the aneurysm, which helps lower the risk of rupture.
Why Do You Need EVAR?
EVAR is used to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms, which develop when a weakened area of the aorta begins to bulge outward. As this bulge grows, the vessel wall becomes more fragile and vulnerable to rupture, which can be life-threatening. EVAR reinforces the aorta from within, redirecting blood flow away from the weakened section and helping protect your organs from sudden, severe complications. You may need EVAR if:
- You have an abdominal aortic aneurysm that has reached a concerning size
- You have a smaller aneurysm that is growing quickly over time
- You are at a higher risk of complications with traditional open surgery
- You have suitable blood vessel anatomy for a stent graft repair
- You want a minimally invasive option with a shorter recovery
Why Choose Dr. Sydney Wong?
Dr. Sydney Wong is a board-certified vascular and endovascular surgeon with advanced training in minimally invasive aneurysm repair. As a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC), he brings deep experience in EVAR planning, device selection, and long-term surveillance. Dr. Wong personally performs your EVAR procedure and remains closely involved in your long-term follow-up to ensure continued protection of your aorta.
What to Expect During EVAR?
During EVAR, you are given anesthesia while Dr. Wong accesses your blood vessels through small punctures near your groin. Using real-time imaging, he guides a catheter carrying a stent graft through your arteries to the aneurysm. Once in position, the graft is carefully expanded to line the inside of your aorta, creating a new channel for blood flow. After the graft is secured, the catheter is removed, and the small access sites are bandaged to heal naturally.
Benefits of EVAR
As a minimally invasive approach to treating abdominal aortic aneurysms, EVAR reduces the stress on your body while still providing effective protection. Compared with open surgery, this approach offers several important advantages, including:
- Shorter hospital stays and faster recovery
- Smaller access sites instead of a large incision
- Less blood loss during the procedure
- Reduced discomfort after treatment
- Lower short-term risk of major complications
EVAR FAQs
Is EVAR Safer Than Open Aneurysm Surgery?
For many patients, EVAR carries a lower short-term risk than open surgery because it avoids a large abdominal incision. This can mean less blood loss, faster recovery, and reduced strain on the heart and lungs. However, EVAR is not automatically safer for everyone. The best approach is always individualized, based on your anatomy and long-term needs.
How Long is the Recovery After EVAR?
Most patients spend a short time in the hospital and are walking the same day or the next day. At home, you may feel tired for several days and are advised to avoid heavy lifting for a few weeks. Many individuals return to normal daily activities sooner than they would after open surgery, but recovery timelines vary and are discussed with you in advance.
Schedule Your Consultation
Atrium Vascular Associates is a specialized vascular surgery clinic based in Richmond Hill, where we provide comprehensive aneurysm care for patients throughout the Greater Toronto Area. If you have been diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm or need expert guidance, we invite you to schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Wong today.