Treatment

Endovascular surgical techniques

Vascular and vein services

Endovascular surgery is a rapidly developing branch of vascular surgery. It evolved from the diagnostic techniques used to investigate damage to blood vessels caused by atherosclerosis or injury.

 

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What is it for?

To investigate damage to blood vessels

Treatment overview

Endovascular surgery is highly skilled and complex. Two main procedures are used:

  • Angioplasty with stenting: this is the main technique used to treat blockages in arteries caused by the build up of fatty plaques due to atherosclerosis. The technique can be applied to any of the main arteries such as leg artery angioplasty with stenting.
  • Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR): the endovascular method is used to repair aneurysms. The technique can be applied to any aneurysm whether it affects the main aorta or one of the other main arteries.

Leg artery angioplasty with stenting

Endovascular surgeons use angioplasty with stenting to open up blockages in the arteries that supply blood to the legs and other parts of the body. Blocked arteries in the legs cause pain in the muscles on walking, a condition called intermittent claudication.

The endovascular technique used to treat intermittent claudication involves introducing a catheter into the femoral artery in the groin and then manipulating it through the blood vessels into the artery that is blocked.

Once in place, a small balloon at the end of the catheter is expanded to open up the blocked part of the artery so blood can flow freely through it. A stent, which is a fine, spring-like metal cage, may be left in place to support the artery wall to prevent the lumen of the blood vessel narrowing again. Similar techniques may be used to treat carotid arteries, which provide the blood supply to the brain. Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in the abdominal aorta.

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Further information about the aorta

The aorta is the main artery that carries blood from the heart to all parts of the body. Our blood is pressurised just like air in a car tyre – this is what is measured when our blood pressure is taken. An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of the aorta, like a bulge in a car tyre. Unless it is fixed, the pressure inside it may cause it to burst which can be fatal.

Endovascular treatment of this condition uses catheters introduced into the abdominal aorta through the femoral artery in the groin. Images from live X-rays guide the endovascular surgeon to be able to place the catheters into the aneurysm, the point where the wall of the artery is bulging out.

A special catheter, called an introducer sheath, carries with it an endovascular stent graft, or endograft. This is a tube made from a fabric-like material that is reinforced by a scaffold of metal springs or stents. The stents, which are compressed within the introducer sheath, open up as the endograft is deployed to form the tube.

Once in place, the top and bottom of the endograft make a seal with the normal aorta above and below the aneurysm. This forms an inner tube through which the blood flows and blood can no longer enter the aneurysm. This stops the wall bulging any further and eliminates the risk of rupture.

Why choose The London Clinic

Excellence in one place

The London Clinic, in collaboration with Northwestern Medicine, operate as teams of experts with world-class resources, dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of care. Surrounded by the latest treatments and advice, you’ll have everything you need to get back to your best health. Our patient rooms are designed for your comfort, while our catering team, in collaboration with expert dietitians, provide healthy, delicious meals to support your recovery.

Personal care, every time

Exceptional patient care is a way of life for us. Our teams will be with you every step of the way, tailoring your care to your specific needs and giving you the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing you’re in the best hands. To provide exceptional care, we keep our staff-to-patient ratio low, so our nurses, clinicians, therapists, and support teams can offer a personalised, quality experience. You’ll notice the difference.

Effortlessly simple

We work together as one to guide you through every step of your patient experience. From explaining your personal treatment plan to ensuring all details are taken care of, we make the process stress-free, so you can focus on your health. Whether it’s your first consultation or follow-up care, our teams are here to provide seamless support and the peace of mind you deserve

What's included in your package?

Choosing The London Clinic means your treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.

Your treatment package will include:

  • Enhanced pre-admission assessment
  • Your treatment with our complete care team at your fingertips
  • Personalised aftercare and follow-up

We want you to be in control of your health. That’s why we also offer optional services such as comprehensive recovery packages and extra touches for you to choose from during your stay with us. To help you manage the cost, we also offer a 0% finance option, allowing you to spread the payments for your treatment over 12 months with no added interest. Learn more about our finance options here.

How to pay

  • You can use private medical insurance (PMI) to access this treatment. We work with all major PMI providers in the UK and many internationally
  • You can pay for yourself (self-pay)
  • If you’re paying for yourself, we have 0% finance options available with Chrysalis. Find out more here.
     
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