Endovascular surgery consists of the repair of vascular lesions by means of percutaneous vascular puncture or a minimal incision (only in exceptional cases) and the subsequent introduction of catheters, balloons and prostheses that travel inside the vessel lumen to the site of the lesion and, once located, the lesion is separated. These vascular lesions can be, among others, stenosis, obstructions, pathological dilatations or aneurysms or even arteriovenous fistulas.
The techniques included in endovascular surgery are diverse and varied. We find angioplasties, also known as balloon dilatations, which may or may not be accompanied by stent implantation. This technique, which consists of a tiny tube placed inside an artery, blood vessel or other hollow structure in order to keep it open, is used in cases of arterial ischemia, intermittent claudication at short distances, pain at rest or injuries. On the other hand, another technique used by endovascular therapeutics is the Endoprosthesis for the treatment of anuerysm and venous arterial fistula.
Benefits over other techniques
Its label of minimally invasive surgery allows, in most cases, to perform the procedure only with the use of local anesthesia. It also allows an early recovery: the patient can usually return home within 24 to 72 hours and go about his or her daily activities as normal. It is a treatment that minimizes morbidity and surgical risk, and therefore has a significantly lower rate of complications and mortality than conventional surgery.
However, there are cases in which it is not possible to perform endovascular surgery for anatomical reasons, it requires follow-up by means of tests and examinations, and requires an individualized assessment of the case and exhaustive follow-up by means of tests and examinations.