Aortic stent-grafting is a minimally invasive endovascular repair that carries specific risks. Primary concerns include endoleaks where blood bypasses the graft, stent migration, and device-related structural failure. Patients require lifelong imaging surveillance via CT scans every 6 to 12 months to monitor graft stability.
- Endoleak recurrence: Most common complication where blood leaks into the original aneurysm sac.
- Device migration: The metal frame shifts position, potentially requiring secondary intervention or surgery.
- Access site injury: Catheter insertion may damage femoral arteries, leading to bleeding or clots.
- Kidney function: Repeated contrast dye use during mandatory follow-up scans risks renal decline.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Italian centers like Maria Cecilia Hospital handle over 15% of the country’s cardiac surgeries, managing 9,000 patients annually. This high volume is critical because data shows long-term success depends on the Heart Team’s experience with complex cases. Specialized centers often use multidisciplinary teams to manage the 5% to 15% re-intervention risk effectively.
Patient Consensus: Many patients find the commitment to lifelong imaging the most demanding aspect of recovery. They often worry about symptomless leaks and emphasize the importance of thorough dental screenings to prevent rare but dangerous graft infections.
