How is EVAR different from open surgery?

Open repair replaces the weakened section of aorta through a large abdominal incision. EVAR instead lines the aorta from the inside through two tiny groin punctures, so there's less pain, less blood loss, and a much faster recovery. Open repair is reserved for aneurysms whose anatomy isn't suited to a stent graft.

What is recovery like after EVAR?

The procedure usually takes under two hours, and patients typically go home within about a day. Most are back to normal activities in roughly two weeks. You'll have periodic imaging afterward to confirm the graft stays sealed.

Am I a candidate for EVAR?

EVAR is usually recommended for an aneurysm large enough to need repair, often around 5 cm or more, or for one that has grown. Your aortic anatomy also needs to suit a stent graft. It's often the safer choice for older or higher-risk patients. A CT scan maps your anatomy so your surgeon can confirm the best approach.

Is EVAR safe, and does the repair last?

EVAR has a strong track record and is the preferred repair whenever anatomy allows. As with any procedure, there are risks, and the graft is monitored with periodic scans to make sure it stays sealed. Your surgeon will review your personal risks before anything is decided.

Is EVAR covered by insurance?

In most cases, yes, including Medicare. We accept most insurance plans and verify your benefits before anything is scheduled.

EVAR, repairing the aorta from the inside

Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) is a minimally invasive way to reinforce a weakened aorta and prevent a rupture. Instead of a large abdominal incision, a fabric-covered stent graft is placed from inside the artery, so most patients recover far faster. We choose this approach whenever your anatomy allows.

Approach

From the inside

A stent graft placed by catheter: no open surgery

Procedure time

Under 2 hrs

Through two tiny groin incisions

Recovery

~2 weeks

Most patients go home in about a day

What is EVAR?

EVAR, or endovascular aneurysm repair, treats an abdominal aortic aneurysm by reinforcing the weakened section of the aorta from the inside, before it can rupture.

Rather than opening the abdomen, your surgeon guides a fabric-covered stent graft up through two small groin incisions and seals it into healthy artery above and below the bulge. Blood then flows through the new graft instead of pushing on the weak spot, and the aneurysm is sealed off.

Reinforced from within

A fabric-covered stent graft lines the weak spot from the inside, so blood no longer pushes on the aneurysm.

No large incision

It's placed through two small groin punctures, not a big abdominal opening, so recovery is far faster.

Home in about a day

Most patients go home within 24 hours and are back to normal activities in roughly two weeks.

Dr. Pushpinder Sivia

Board-Certified • Fellowship-Trained Vascular Surgeon

What our doctors think of EVAR

“When repair is needed, our goal is the least invasive option that's safe for you. For most aneurysms that means EVAR: two tiny incisions, a graft placed from the inside, and a patient who's usually home the next day instead of facing weeks of recovery from open surgery.”

How it works

EVAR reinforces the aorta from the inside, with no large incision and the aneurysm sealed off from your blood flow.

Two tiny groin incisions

The repair is done through two small incisions in the groin, with no large abdominal opening.

A stent graft is guided in

Using live X-ray guidance, a fabric-covered stent graft is delivered by catheter up to the aneurysm.

The aorta is reinforced

The graft anchors into healthy artery above and below the bulge, creating a new path for blood and sealing off the aneurysm.

Home in about a day

Most procedures take under two hours; patients typically go home within 24 hours and are back to normal in about two weeks. Periodic imaging afterward confirms the graft stays sealed.

Who's a candidate?

EVAR is the preferred repair for most aneurysms that need treatment, whenever the aortic anatomy suits a stent graft.

EVAR may be right for you if you have

An aneurysm large enough to need repair, often around 5 cm or more

An aneurysm that has grown on follow-up scans

Aortic anatomy suited to a stent graft

A preference for a faster recovery than open surgery

It's often the safer choice for

Older patients or those higher-risk for open surgery

People with heart, lung, or kidney conditions

Anyone who wants to avoid a large abdominal incision

Not sure whether you have an aneurysm, or how large it is? Our abdominal aortic aneurysm page covers the symptoms, who should be screened, and how one is found.

Why patients choose it

For the right anatomy, EVAR offers real advantages over traditional open aneurysm surgery.

Prevents a rupture

Sealing the aneurysm from the inside removes the pressure that can cause a life-threatening rupture.

Minimally invasive

Two small groin incisions mean less pain, less blood loss, and far less scarring than open surgery.

A faster recovery

Most patients are home within a day and back to normal in about two weeks, not months.

Easier on the body

No large abdominal incision means less stress on the heart, lungs, and kidneys.

The aneurysm shrinks

Once it's sealed off, the aneurysm usually begins to shrink over time.

A durable repair

Follow-up scans confirm the graft stays sealed for the long term.

Patient guide

Endovascular stent grafts

A detailed booklet on how a stent graft repairs an abdominal aortic aneurysm, what the procedure involves, and what to expect during recovery and follow-up.

Download the guide

Why choose Empire Vein

One of the region's most experienced aneurysm teams

Our fellowship-trained vascular surgeons are experienced in every form of aneurysm repair, with a track record few practices can match. Whenever it's safe, they'll recommend the least invasive option.

385+

EVAR aneurysm repairs performed to date

4,800+

aneurysms treated by our surgeons

20+ years

serving Southern California

4.8★

from 2,000+ verified patient reviews

EVAR, answered

The questions patients ask us most about the procedure.

EVAR (endovascular aneurysm repair) is a minimally invasive procedure that reinforces a weakened aorta from the inside with a fabric-covered stent graft. The graft is placed through two small groin incisions rather than open abdominal surgery.

Insurance

When your veins cause symptoms like aching, swelling, or skin changes, treatment is typically considered medically necessary, including under Medicare. We'll help you verify your benefits.

Most major plans accepted