An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) occurs when the walls of the main blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart (the aorta) are bulging or dilated. It is located in the abdominal area. Aneurysms can also occur in other areas of the aorta, but the abdomen is the most common site. AAA can be repaired either through “open surgery” or with the use of an “endovascular stent graft" (Endovascular aneurysm repair = EVAR) EVAR is a minimally invasive surgery to repair an aneurysm. It is performed through a small hole in the groin, rather than the large incision across the abdomen used in traditional surgery. Usually, it is performed in a hybrid theatre under X-ray guidance with the option to convert to open surgery if needed. EVAR is less invasive than open surgery and is now the preferred method to repair an AAA.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) occurs when the walls of the main blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart (the aorta) are bulging or dilated. It is located in the abdominal area. Aneurysms can also occur in other areas of the aorta, but the abdomen is the most common site. AAA can be repaired either through “open surgery” or with the use of an “endovascular stent graft" (Endovascular aneurysm repair = EVAR) Open surgery — Open surgical correction of AAA involves removing the section of the abdominal aorta that is dilated and replacing it with a prosthesis made of synthetic material (also known as a graft) that is sutured into place . This will allow blood to flow normally and the artery wall is used to cover the graft. Planned or elective surgery reduces the risk of rupture of large asymptomatic AAA.

Restoration of the blood supply to the leg(s) by creating a bypass from the armpit (cut below the clavicle) to the pelvic arteries in patients with a blockage or narrowing of the big arteries in the abdomen.

Removal of the lower leg below the knee and formation of a stump (after trauma or with underperfusion due to vascular disease)

Removal of a fatty deposit (plaque) from the carotid artery (arterial blood vessel in the neck that supplies the head and neck with blood). Blockade of these large arteries can cause a stroke, and this operation is used to prevent strokes. It can also be performed as a prophylactic operation to prevent a stroke (cerebral ischaemia)..

Removal of tortuous veins of the leg (one leg or both legs)