Hospital Teodoro Maldonado Carbo Resumes Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair

The Teodoro Maldonado Carbo Hospital (HTMC) has successfully resumed its endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) program after a three-year hiatus. The facility performed the procedure on a 66-year-old patient diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm, a condition that poses a life-threatening risk if left untreated. According to hospital administration, the surgery was completed by a multidisciplinary team of five specialists, including vascular surgeons, over a two-hour period.

Clinical Benefits of the EVAR Technique

The endovascular approach serves as a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open surgery. Franklin Fajardo, head of the Peripheral Vascular Unit at HTMC, stated that the technique utilizes small incisions. This approach is clinically associated with a reduction in postoperative pain, a lower risk of surgical complications, and a faster recovery time for the patient. The procedure requires the placement of an endoprosthesis—a specialized device—to reinforce the weakened wall of the aorta and prevent rupture.

Operational Costs and Resource Management

The implementation of this procedure involves significant medical expenditure. Hospital records indicate that the endoprosthesis device alone carries a cost of $ 25.000. When factoring in the prosthesis, the surgery, postoperative care, and hospitalization, the comprehensive cost per procedure can reach $ 50.000. To ensure the continuity of this service, the HTMC administration confirmed that it has secured a new stock of endoprosthetic devices, aiming to expand access for patients requiring specialized vascular intervention.

Understanding Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) occurs when a section of the aorta—the body's main artery—becomes enlarged or bulges. The primary risk associated with AAA is rupture, which can lead to life-threatening internal bleeding. Surgical repair, whether through open surgery or the minimally invasive EVAR method, is typically recommended when the aneurysm reaches a specific size or grows rapidly.

Summary of Procedure Outcomes

• Patient Status: The 66-year-old patient successfully underwent the procedure, marking the restart of the service at HTMC.
• Surgical Team: Five specialists, including vascular surgeons, collaborated on the two-hour operation.
• Technique: The hospital utilizes endovascular repair to minimize trauma and improve recovery outcomes compared to traditional open surgical methods.
• Resource Availability: HTMC has replenished its inventory of specialized endoprostheses to support ongoing patient care requirements.