Sisters of Charity Hospital First in Western New York to Perform Complex AAA Repair | Health

Dr. Roger Walcott and Dr. Paul Anain, both Catholic Health vascular surgeons at Sisters of Charity Hospital, are the first surgeons in the Western New York region to successfully implant two fenestrated endografts in the treatment of two patients with a complex abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). This stent is the first in the world to incorporate tailored openings in the top section of the endograft which is designed for AAA patients who are considered especially difficult to treat.

The tailored openings allow the self-expanding fabric-covered stent-graft to treat aortic and aortoiliac aneurysms extending close to the renal and superior mesenteric arteries, which are then stented to reduce the risk of restricting or blocking critical blood flow to the kidneys and bowel. Each fenestrated device is custom-made to suit individual patients’ anatomy.

“This particular endovascular graft has performed remarkably well for patients who are suffering from complex issues,” say Dr. Roger Walcott. “Patient outcomes we’ve experienced using the fenestrated endograft will enable us to treat a wider range of patients.”

The aorta, the body’s main artery, carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. An aneurysm (bulge or weakening) can form anywhere on the aorta, but is the most common in the belly area. If the aneurysm bursts, it can cause serious bleeding or death.