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“This is not a treatment option that is available in
smaller communities,” Dr. deTar said. “Kootenai Surgery
Associates performs about 30 of these procedures a year.
Many of these are for patients who have experienced a
rupture, so the fact that we can care for them at a facility
which is relatively close by is very important.”
Dr. Kladar repaired three of Pedrini’s arteries in about
an hour and 45 minutes. Although the surgery is mini-
mally invasive, it’s important to remember that it can
still be quite extensive.
“It takes a while to get your energy back,” Pedrini said.
“I feel OK now; I’m still trying to build up my energy.
Dr. Kladar said I need to remember that I’mnot a 25-year-
old anymore and that recovery can take some time. But
he said I am doing good and recovering pretty quickly.”
Treatment for an aneurysm depends on its size and
location and your general health. If the aneurysm is small
and you have no symptoms, your physicianmay suggest
a watch-and-wait approach with regularly scheduled
images of the aneurysm to check the size. However, if
your aneurysm is large enough or if it is growing rap-
idly, surgery may be your best option. Your health care
provider will work with you to evaluate the risks of
rupture and the risks of surgery.
artery wall (something you are bornwith), or a traumatic
injury.
“Aortic aneurysms are often fatal if they rupture,”
said general surgeon Edward deTar, M.D., of Kootenai
SurgeryAssociates. “Over half the patients who experi-
ence a rupture will die as a result.”
Today, a new development for the treatment of aortic
aneurysms is helping save lives while keeping patients
closer to home. Surgeons at Kootenai SurgeryAssociates
in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, are performing what is known
in the medical community as a minimally invasive en-
dovascular treatment for the repair of aortic aneurysms.
Joe Pedrini, 79, of Kootenai, had three arteries repaired
in May. Phillip Kladar, M.D., with Kootenai SurgeryAs-
sociates, performed this minimally invasive procedure
to prevent future damage.
“I went to Spokane originally, and the doctor there
wanted to perform surgery with a large incision,” Pedrini
said. “I liked Dr. Kladar a lot. He made the surgery easy
to understand, and by the time I had it, I knew exactly
what was going to happen.”
Simply explained, a fabric tube-like device called a
stent-graft is threaded into the aorta to its weakened
point to prevent the aneurysm from rupturing or repair
it if it already has.
H O W I T W O R K S
The stent-graft, a flexible, polyester fabric tube with a
thin, metal zigzag frame, is collapsed inside a tiny metal
cylinder. This cylinder is attached to the end of a thin
tube. A surgeon makes an incision to access an artery in
the groin, and then places the metal cylinder and tube
inside the artery. Using an x-raymonitor to show the exact
location of the cylinder and tube, the surgeon guides it
up through the artery until he reaches the aneurysm.
Once in place, the stent-graft’s metal frame is expanded
like a spring to hold tightly against the wall of the aorta.
The blood nowflows through the stent-graft, taking pres-
sure off the aneurysm. The aneurysm typically shrinks
over time.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
Knowing your risk factors for conditions like aortic aneurysm
and heart disease can help you and your physician make
informed decisions about your health. Schedule an annual
physical with your doctor and be sure to talk about risk factors
such as family history, cholesterol levels, blood pressure and
tobacco use.
Need help finding a family physician? Call the Kootenai
Physician Clinic central scheduling service at
208-620-3866
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