First EVAR (Endovascular aneurysm repair) in Maldives.

On 13^th and 14th July 2022, our CVTS (Cardiovascular and Thoracic surgery) team did the first cases of EVAR (Endovascular aneurysm repair) in Maldives.

Aortic Aneurysm is abnormal dilatation (ballooning) of aortic vessel wall. Commonly due to connective tissue disorders or age related, persistent, uncontrolled high blood pressure along with excessive deposition of cholesterol plaque on the wall of aortic vessel. This results in loss of elasticity of vessels and finally weakening it resulting in spontaneous rupture and death.

Early cases are medically managed with proper control of blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Late stages require open surgery to replace the diseased part of the vessel with an artificial vessel.

However patient’s general condition, age, presence of multiple health issues may prevent us from doing open surgery. For such patients second best option is to reinforce the wall of aorta with the use of an artificial folded self-expanding “tube” inside the aorta. Also known as EVAR.

Each endovascular graft is custom designed for each individual patient.

While carrying out such a delicate and challenging procedure, it’s important to keep surgical cardiac theatre on standby. Our first priority should always be patient’s safety. And therefore should always have a backup open surgical plan.

We thank our partners AIS Technology - Mr Piyush Kagadada & Dr Tegbir Sindhu, our cath lab staff, the cardiac operation theatre staff, the anesthesia team, our perfusionist, our cardiologist colleagues, our CCU staff and our cardiac medical officers for making it a success. Last, but not the least, we thank the patients and their relatives for having faith and belief in our care and choosing ADK Hospital HITECC to embark on this challenging surgical endeavor.