Panama Medical Vacations

Endovascular Therapy

Bilateral Aortofemoral Stent Surgery in Panama

The aorta is the main artery of the body, measuring about one inch in diameter and located just in front of the spine. The aorta splits into two aortofemoral arteries just above the pelvis. These two arteries travel through the pelvis, to the groin, then down into the legs. Blockages in these arteries can have serious effects since they are the main source of blood flow to lower half of the body.

A bilateral aortofemoral stenting can also be known as aortobifemoral stenting. This occurs when a graft is needed at the junction of the aorta and the femoral arteries. The new graft is formed in the shape of an upside down y and the top part attaches to the aorta and the lower parts attaching to each of the femoral arteries.

Bilateral aortofemoral stenting is a procedure in which grafts are located to avoid an area of the aorta which is narrowed, weakened or blocked. This surgery requires a skillful surgeon, the kind of surgeon you will find in Panama City, Panama at Hospital Punta Pacifica.

The Procedure

After you are well-anesthetized, a large incision will be made in you abdomen. The blood vessels that are affected lie deep within your body so many of your internal organs will be carefully moved out of the way.

Blood flow through these affected vessels will be briefly stopped with clamps on either side of the area of blockage. A graft will be sewn into place on either the iliac artery or the femoral artery, in an area clear of obstructive plaque. The other end of the graft will be attached to the aorta just above the area where the blockage begins.

The clamps that were placed on the affected blood vessels will be removed. The surgeon will observe to make certain there is sufficient blood flow through the new graft. Your internal organs will be repositioned correctly. The abdominal muscle will be stitched closed and the skin will be closed with either sutures or staples.

After your surgery

Bilateral aortofemoral stenting usually takes about 3-4 hours and afterwards you will probably spend 1-2 days in bed. You will likely remain in the hospital for 5-7 days altogether.

Risks

The following are a list of possible risks from a bilateral aortofemoral stenting:

Infection of the incision site or the graft itself
Obstruction of the new graft by blood clots
Bleeding
Complications from anesthesia
Pneumonia
Scarring
Heart attack
Stroke
Sexual problems if nerves in the pelvic area are damaged during surgery