Abdominal aortic aneurysms, also called AAA, can originate in many locations within the abdomen or stomach region.  Most commonly, these aneurysms are located deep internally back by the spine and at the level of the navel.

 

In the most common location, located below the renal arteries, many aortic aneurysms can be treated with an EVAR proceure.  EVAR involves an aortic stent-graft, also called an endoluminal graft, to eliminate pressure inside the aneurysm sac. An aortic stent is a special FDA-approved medical device which has a fabric material covering an expandable metal scaffold. The EVAR procedure uses X-ray guidance to position the stent inside the aortic aneurysm.  When properly deployed, the stent stays inside the aneuyrsm permanently and the aneurysm is excluded from blood flow by the fabric on the stent.