Dr. Abbruzzese is the first and only certified physician in the region to provide the new procedure by using the only FDA-approved, custom-built, fenestrated endovascular graft used to seal off abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).
"These new FDA-approved fenestrated grafts are custom built for patients, allowing surgeons the opportunity to treat more complex aneurysms with endovascular techniques, thereby getting patients back to their normal routine at a much faster rate," says Dr. Abbruzzese. "With this new customized device, the chances of preventing aneurysm rupture in certain complex aneurysms increase significantly, which is the ultimate goal."
The fenestrated AAA endovascular graft provides a repair option for patients whose aorta's distance from the aneurysm is too short to seal off using a standard, non-fenestrated endovascular graft. The new addition of customized fenestrations, or holes in the graft, allows precise alignment with the blood vessels that come off of the aorta and go to kidneys and intestines. This helps surgeons seal the aneurysms higher in the aorta while still maintaining blood flow to the vital organs.
Prior to the procedure, patients undergo a CT scan which takes detailed pictures of the aorta and branch arteries. These pictures are used to determine the measurement of the graft so it will provide a customized fit into each patient's blood vessels. They are also used to determine the number, size and location of the fenestrations, or holes. These measurements are sent to the manufacturer and the fenestrated graft is custom-built to fit the patient.
Dr. Abbruzzese performs fenestrated AAA endovascular graft repair at Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) in Gainesville, the only hospital in the region offering the new procedure using the FDA-approved device.
To learn more about NGPG Vascular Center, visit or call 770-219-4000.
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