CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Endovascular aneurysm or aortic repair (EVAR)
- No.1 in the UK for private cardiac and vascular care
- Appointments in as little as 24 hours
- 99% of patients recommend us to family and friends
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Endovascular aortic repair at HCA UK
Why choose us?
If you’ve been told you need an EVAR procedure, it’s natural to feel unsure about what comes next. When you choose HCA UK, you’ll be cared for by experienced vascular specialists who perform a high volume of private complex endovascular aortic repairs.
We are the only private hospital group in the UK that offers total percutaneous (keyhole) aortic arch branch repair, with expertise managing complex and high-risk aneurysms. Our vascular consultants work as a fully integrated multidisciplinary team alongside vascular anaesthetists, intensive care teams, interventional radiologists and advanced nurses.
Across HCA UK, we care for more than 36,000 cardiac and vascular patients every year, supported by state-of-the-art imaging, hybrid operating theatres and rapid-access diagnostics.
EVAR is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat an aneurysm in the aorta. Your vascular specialist guides a stent graft into the weakened area through small incisions in the groin. This reinforces the blood vessel wall and reduces the risk of the aneurysm expanding or rupturing.
Because the procedure avoids open surgery, recovery is usually quicker and more comfortable. Your consultant will explain each step, what to expect, and how EVAR protects your long-term health.
You may be advised to have an EVAR if tests show an aneurysm in your abdomen or chest that is growing or at risk of rupturing. EVAR provides a planned, preventative way to reduce the risk of a medical emergency, helping to keep you well.
If your anatomy is more complex your case can be reviewed for suitability for fenestrated or branched EVAR, which can be carried out at London Bridge Hospital by our selected specialist team.
If your anatomy is more complex your case can be reviewed for suitability for fenestrated or branched EVAR, which can be carried out at London Bridge Hospital by our selected specialist team.
Most aneurysms don’t cause symptoms and are often found during routine checks or tests for another issue. If symptoms do appear, they may include back pain, tummy pain, a pulsing feeling in your abdomen or unexplained tiredness. A ruptured aneurysm causes sudden, severe pain and needs emergency care immediately.
An aneurysm occurs when the wall of a blood vessel weakens, causing it to bulge (swell). This can be dangerous if it gets bigger and ruptures (bursts). Aneurysms don't usually have any symptoms until they burst, by which point you'd require emergency treatment. So, preventative treatment is often the best course of action.
If your consultant finds an aneurysm in your abdomen or chest, they may recommend an endovascular aortic repair or EVAR procedure. This is a minimally invasive procedure that reinforces the weakened area and reduces the risk of a rupture. EVAR is often advised as a preventative treatment to keep you safe and protect your long-term health.
If your consultant finds an aneurysm in your abdomen or chest, they may recommend an endovascular aortic repair or EVAR procedure. This is a minimally invasive procedure that reinforces the weakened area and reduces the risk of a rupture. EVAR is often advised as a preventative treatment to keep you safe and protect your long-term health.
EVAR is generally very safe, but like any procedure, it carries some risks. These may include bleeding, infection, a reaction to the imaging dye or movement of the stent over time. Your consultant will explain these risks clearly and tailor a personalised treatment plan just for you.
250+
Cardiology consultants for you to choose from
36,000+
Cardiac patients treated every year
48 hours
Fast access to diagnostic test results
Next-day appointments
See a specialist and get on the path to an expert diagnosis in as little as 24 hours.
State-of-the-art diagnostics
With results in as little as 48 hours.
Wide-reaching expertise across the UK
Choose from 5 hospitals and 15 diagnostic centres in London, Manchester and Birmingham.
Your endovascular aortic repair at HCA UK
What to expect
Your EVAR journey will follow a clear plan designed to help you feel supported and ready for each stage of your treatment. We’ll clearly explain how the procedure works and make sure you know what to expect. We’ll ensure you are comfortable, reassured and well-informed from the moment you arrive.
01
Initial consultation
During your initial consultation, your vascular specialist will review your scans, medical history and explain why an EVAR procedure may be the safest approach for your aneurysm. You’ll have time to ask questions and talk through any concerns you may have. Complex cases are also discussed within the multidisciplinary aortic meeting to ensure the best approach is offered.
02
Tests and scans
You may need tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan or blood tests to assess the size and position of the aneurysm. These results help your consultant decide the best approach and confirm that EVAR is suitable for you. Each test builds a clearer picture of your aortic health.
03
Getting your results
At your follow-up appointment, your vascular consultant will explain your results and talk through what they mean for your treatment. They’ll outline the procedure, explain any risks and answer your questions. This appointment helps you feel ready and supported before your surgery.
04
During your surgery
EVAR is a minimally invasive procedure that uses small cuts in the groin rather than open surgery. Your vascular specialist guides a graft, or stent, into the blood vessel using X-ray images. The graft sits inside the aneurysm, so blood flows through it rather than the weakened area, reducing the risk of rupture.
05
Follow-up care and recovery
You’ll stay in hospital for one or two nights. We’ll give you pain relief if you need it and help you start moving. When you go home, you’ll need someone to pick you up and stay with you for 24 hours. Your vascular consultant will advise when you can return to your usual routine and talk to you about staying well as you recover.
Our locations
Where can I have private endovascular aortic repair?
You can access private EVAR at our hospitals in London and Birmingham, with London Bridge Hospital serving as the hub for complex and advanced aortic repair. At HCA UK, you’ll see a consultant quickly and receive dedicated support at every stage of your care.
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Endovascular aortic repair FAQs
Your vascular consultant will talk you through all your treatment choices before recommending an EVAR procedure. Alternatives may include open surgery or regular monitoring with scans to track any changes.
Each option has different benefits and considerations. Your consultant will explain these clearly so you can rest assured you’re choosing the safest approach for your aneurysm and your long-term health.
Each option has different benefits and considerations. Your consultant will explain these clearly so you can rest assured you’re choosing the safest approach for your aneurysm and your long-term health.
EVAR is a minimally invasive procedure used to repair an aortic aneurysm. A stent graft is the device placed inside the blood vessel during EVAR to support the weakened area. An HCA UK vascular specialist will assess whether EVAR and a stent graft are suitable for you.
EVAR is usually suitable for patients with an abdominal or thoracic aortic aneurysm of sufficient size and appropriate location. Overall health and anatomy are assessed using CT or MRI scans. HCA UK provides full imaging, personalised advice and access to expert vascular surgeons.
As with all procedures, there may be risks and side effects. Your surgeon will explain these to you and answer any questions you have. EVAR is usually done while you’re asleep under general anaesthetic.
We will let you know in advance how long to avoid eating and drinking before your surgery. When the procedure is completed, you should be able to eat and drink normally once you are fully awake. Before your procedure, your consultant will explain EVAR and answer any questions you may have.
We will let you know in advance how long to avoid eating and drinking before your surgery. When the procedure is completed, you should be able to eat and drink normally once you are fully awake. Before your procedure, your consultant will explain EVAR and answer any questions you may have.
EVAR is usually carried out under general anaesthetic, which means you’ll be fully asleep and won’t feel anything during the procedure.
EVAR surgery involves inserting a graft (stent) into your blood vessel and placing it inside the aneurysm. This is done by making small cuts in your skin through your groin, guided by X-ray images.
Your blood will start to flow through the graft rather than the aneurysm, taking pressure off the aneurysm and significantly reducing the risk of rupture. It is less invasive than other surgical treatment options, so you should have a quicker recovery time.
Your blood will start to flow through the graft rather than the aneurysm, taking pressure off the aneurysm and significantly reducing the risk of rupture. It is less invasive than other surgical treatment options, so you should have a quicker recovery time.
EVAR stents are designed to be durable and long-lasting. Your vascular consultant will arrange routine scans to ensure the stent remains in the correct position and continues to function as expected. These ongoing reviews help protect your long-term health and give you reassurance that the repair is working well over time.
Changes can occur after an EVAR procedure, which is why follow-up care is important. You’ll have regular scans so your vascular consultant can monitor the repair and make sure the aneurysm stays stable. These appointments help spot changes early and offer long-term peace of mind.
Our patient stories
Steven's story
Steven, 58, has practiced as a property barrister for 30 years and always been as active as possible through regular exercise and healthy eating. He was incredibly aware of the need to have good heart health as a result of cardiac problems in his family history, and consequently was incredibly focused on keeping himself on top form. But just one health screen changed that.
Judith's cardiac treatment
For years, Judith knew there was something wrong with her heart. At London Bridge Hospital, she finally had the life-changing treatment she needed.
Chris's story: Atrial fibrillation
Since he was a teenager, Chris (now 44) had suffered from an irregular heartbeat. Whenever his heart would beat too fast, he was told he was having a panic attack.
“I really cannot thank the whole team enough; the surgery saved my life, and I am deeply grateful to all involved.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.