ABSTRACT
The development of catheter-based techniques has caused a similar degree of change to the practice of vascular surgery as did laparoscopy with general surgery. Gone are the days when the vascular surgeon's tools consisted entirely of an open surgical approach for the direct repair or bypass of an aneurysmal or occluded artery. Now, many abdominal aortic aneurysms are treated with endovascular stent grafts. By 2002, two FDA-approved devices were approved and other devices will likely become readily available. Arterial occlusive disease, traditionally treated with surgical bypass or endarterectomy, in many cases can be treated with balloon angioplasty and stenting, particularly for aortoiliac occlusive disease. This chapter will focus on these newer endovascular techniques. Additional information regarding laparoscopic-assisted vascular surgery is also included.
