After the Endovascular Procedure
Why is follow-up important?
If you receive a Zenith Flex AAA Endovascular Graft, it is very important that you have regularly scheduled follow-up appointments with your doctor because the long-term results of endovascular repair have not been established. It is possible for problems to occur that do not cause noticeable symptoms. Therefore, your doctor needs to look at pictures (X-ray, CT scan) of your aneurysm and graft on a regular basis. If a problem occurs, your doctor may recommend additional procedures.
Some problems that might occur are listed below:
Endoleak
An endoleak occurs when blood from the aorta continues to leak into the abdominal aneurysm. Most endoleaks do not require treatment. However, a small number require further treatment.
Graft movement
Because blood vessels can change over time with aneurysm disease, it is possible for a graft to shift position over time. Because graft movement cannot be felt, it is important to keep your routine follow-up visits with your doctor. Graft movement, if it occurs, can be seen with a CT scan.
Aneurysm growth or rupture
Symptoms of aneurysm growth are not always present. When symptoms are present, the most common are:
- pain in the legs, back, chest or abdomen
- numbness in the legs, back, chest or abdomen
- weakness in the legs, back, chest or abdomen
Symptoms of aneurysm rupture include:
- dizziness
- fainting
- rapid heartbeat
- sudden weakness
Limb occlusion
Symptoms of limb occlusion include:
- leg or hip pain during walking
- leg discoloration
- leg coolness
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, call your doctor immediately.
What follow-up should I expect?
Recommended follow-up includes checkups at:
- 1 month
- 6 months
- 12 months
- yearly thereafter
Follow-up exams usually include routine blood tests, X-rays, a CT scan and a physical exam.
These follow-up exams carry some minimal potential risk. However, the benefits of these tests clearly outweigh any potential risks. There is a rare risk of allergic reaction related to the contrast dye used in the CT scan. Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns regarding these exams. These exams should be considered a lifelong commitment to your health and well-being.
They are necessary to evaluate your treatment and any changes over time. Your doctor may request additional evaluations based on findings at the follow-up visits.
What if I need magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)?
If you receive a Zenith Flex AAA Endovascular Graft, be sure to tell all of your health care providers that you have the graft. Show them your Patient I.D. Card. The card contains information related to MRI procedures for patients with this device. More information is available by referring to www.cookmedical.com or by phoning our help line at 1-800-457-4500. Discuss potential risks and benefits of an MRI with your health care providers if you have any concerns about this diagnostic test.
What should I do with my Patient I.D. Card?
You will receive a Zenith Flex AAA Endovascular Graft Patient I.D. Card. The card provides valuable information concerning:
- Type of device implanted
- Date of implant
- Your doctors
- MRI information
Be sure to tell all of your health care providers that you have the graft and show them your Patient I.D. Card. You should keep your patient I.D. Card available at all times.
