What are the symptoms of an unruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm?

Most unruptured AAAs are completely asymptomatic and are discovered incidentally. When symptoms do occur, they may include a pulsing sensation near the navel, deep or persistent pain in the abdomen or lower back, or a constant ache in the side of the flank.

How is an abdominal aortic aneurysm diagnosed?

An AAA is most commonly and reliably diagnosed using a quick, painless abdominal ultrasound. If a specialist needs to evaluate the precise structural shape or size of an aneurysm prior to treatment planning, a Computed Tomography (CT) angiogram may be ordered.

What size abdominal aortic aneurysm requires surgery?

Generally, elective preventive treatment is considered when an abdominal aortic aneurysm reaches 5.0 to 5.5 centimeters in diameter, or if a smaller aneurysm is expanding rapidly (greater than 0.5 centimeters over a six-month period).

What should I expect during recovery after an EVAR (stent) procedure?

Following an endovascular stent placement, most patients spend one night in the hospital for observation. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise are typically restricted for 1 to 2 weeks, but light walking and normal daily routines can usually be resumed within a few days.

How soon can I return to my normal Dallas lifestyle?

Recovery is swift. Most patients are back to light daily activities—including driving and office work—within 24 to 28 hours. We typically advise waiting about a week before returning to high-impact activities or heavy lifting.

Aortic Aneurysm Treatment Dallas (AAA)

ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM (AAA)

Advanced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Treatment in Dallas

You don't have to live with the constant worry of a silent vascular condition.

At Advantage Vascular, we provide Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR), an advanced, non-surgical treatment for patients in Dallas who want lasting protection from an abdominal aortic aneurysm without open surgery, extended hospital downtime, or ongoing monitoring that leaves you waiting for an emergency.

This minimally invasive approach is designed specifically to repair the weakened aorta from within and is performed right here in our Dallas facility by board-certified interventional specialists.

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What is Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)?

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm is the weakening of the wall of the Aorta in the abdomen. The weakening of the wall increases the likelihood of a rupture or tear of the Aorta. This is a very serious and life threatening condition if a rupture occurs.

Aortic Rupture is the 10th leading cause of death in men over 50.

Men over 50 with a history of smoking or a family history of an Abdominal Aortic aneurysm should see their physician for ultrasound screening.

What is Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR)?

Progressive weakening of the aortic wall causes a dangerous ballooning effect under high blood pressure. The most common treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysm is AAA stenting, or EVAR. As a minimally invasive surgical procedure, EVAR works by safely placing a specialized fabric-covered stent graft through a small hole in the femoral artery an inside the weakened segment. This shields the aortic wall from pressure and allowing blood to flow safely through the graft significantly reducing the risk of a sudden rupture.

Medical professionals in blue protective gowns and masks perform a procedure in a hospital room with advanced medical monitors showing images of internal body scans.

How EVAR is performed

Using real-time image guidance (fluoroscopy), our doctors:

Make a small puncture and insert a tiny microcatheter (the size of a grain of rice) usually through a blood vessel in the upper thigh or wrist.
Guide the microcatheter through the vascular system directly to the site of the aneurysm.
Deliver and expand a specialized wire mesh stent graft across the weakened section of the aorta.
Interrupt the physical pressure against the vessel wall, redirecting blood flow safely through the new liner.

The entire procedure takes approximately 45–60 minutes. Patients are typically discharged after a one night of observation in the hospital and typically return to light activity within 24–48 hours.

In the event that a stent cannot be placed then open surgery must be performed. This is much more involved and requires a long incision along the stomach. Recovery is typically much longer with higher risk for complications.

How EVAR Compares to Other AAA Treatments

Traditional Monitoring

Non-Surgical
Does not repair the weakened vessel wall
Leaves the patient with ongoing structural rupture risk
No general anesthesia or long hospital stays required

Open Surgical Repair

Invasive Surgical Procedure
Cuts open the abdomen to manually replace the aorta
Long-term stability after a major surgical recovery
Requires general anesthesia, intensive care, and a large incision

EVAR (Stent Grafting)

Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedure
Blocks physical pressure from fueling the aneurysm
Long-term structural protection
No major surgical incisions required

Who is a Candidate for EVAR

No general anesthesia or major surgical incisions required
Have a smaller aneurysm that is expanding rapidly (greater than 0.5 cm in 6 months).
Want to avoid the heavy physical strain, risks, and massive downtime of open abdominal surgery.
Are over the age of 50 with an incidental finding on an ultrasound or CT scan.
Are looking for a Medicare and insurance-covered preventative treatment for cardiovascular health.

Your Questions About
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair, Answered.

Unlike treatments that require tissue healing, the structural protection of EVAR is immediate. The moment the stent graft is deployed, it shields the weakened aortic wall from high blood pressure. Most patients experience a gradual stabilization of the area over 4 to 8 weeks as the aneurysm naturally shrinks around the secure graft.
The vast majority of patients achieve permanent, life-long protection with a single endovascular repair session. Because the graft must remain perfectly positioned, routine, non-invasive follow-up imaging (such as an annual ultrasound or CT scan) is scheduled to ensure long-term stability.
Traditional surgery is an invasive, open-abdominal procedure that requires a large incision, clamping the main artery, and weeks of painful recovery. EVAR is a mechanical, endovascular intervention. We don't slice through your abdominal muscles; we work entirely from the inside out using a tiny puncture to reinforce the blood vessel. This makes EVAR a much safer, predictable option.
No. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and light twilight sedation for your comfort. Most patients describe feeling a mild pressure sensation during the positioning of the graft but no sharp pain. Post-procedure soreness at the tiny groin access site is mild and easily managed with over-the-counter relievers like Tylenol.
Recovery is swift. Most patients are back to light daily activities—including driving and office work—within 24 to 48 hours. We typically advise waiting about a week before returning to high-impact activities, heavy lifting, or running on the Katy Trail.
EVAR provides a long-term, permanent solution. Clinical data from major vascular health institutions shows exceptional, durable protection against rupture for years. Unlike temporary lifestyle changes or medication management, EVAR provides an immediate biological and mechanical reset to the artery.

Take the first step toward vascular peace of mind.

Scheduling a consultation is simple. You can call our North Dallas office directly at (972)483-5714 or use our online appointment request form.