The radiology team at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital has achieved a significant milestone, completing their 500th endovascular repair of an aortic aneurysm—a procedure that has revolutionised patient care by strengthening the aorta and significantly reducing the risk of aneurysm rupture.
This landmark achievement underscores Blackburn's pioneering role in this life-saving technique, which began in October 1999 with the hospital's first procedure performed by Dr Duncan Gavan, Consultant Interventional Radiologist at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust. Fittingly, Dr Gavan also performed the 500th procedure, marking a full-circle moment in this remarkable journey.
"I am honoured to have been involved in implementing this initiative and also performing its 500th procedure," said Dr Gavan. "The Interventional Radiology Team is at the forefront of numerous innovative techniques, and the endovascular repair of an aortic aneurysm (EVAR) demonstrates the strong teamwork between vascular surgeons and anaesthetists.
“This technique enables the procedure to be carried out via a couple of tiny incisions and reduces the need for anaesthetic, which means we can offer it to patients who would not be suitable for more invasive surgery.”
The evolution of the EVAR procedure is a testament to advancements in medical technology and technique. While the initial procedure took over three hours to complete, today, it is completed in just 70 minutes, allowing patients to return home much sooner.
An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of the body's main artery, the aorta. The EVAR involves inserting a small, flexible tube into the aorta to strengthen it and lower the risk of rupture.
Interventional radiologists assist in providing these vital life-saving treatments by using real-time imaging techniques, including X-rays and ultrasound, to guide the operator.
"This accomplishment demonstrates the team's dedication to continuously developing treatments to achieve the best outcomes for our patients," added Dr Gavan.
Pictured, from left to right, are B Lowe (IR Lead), Dr T Viyasar (IR Consultant), Dr D R Gavan (IR Consultant), L Carmichael (IR Nurse), Dr D Kotecha (IR ST4 Registrar), N Brannigan (IR Nurse), A Hague (IR Radiographer) and Dr N T Wilde (IR Consultant)