Patient Information:

                               OPEN AORTIC SURGERY            AORTIC STENT GRAFTING

 Length of Stay     - 5-15, 1-2 days ICU.                   - 2 days generally, no ICU stay

                              - Midline incision in abdomen.        - One 7cm incision in each groin.

                              - Performed in Operating Room.    - Performed in the Catheter Lab.

 Bring all ultrasound and CT scans with you to the hospital.

 Do not eat or drink 6 hours prior to your surgery.

 Do not cease Aspirin if currently taking.

 Patients currently on the Plavix or Iscover need to inform Mr. Holdaway prior to surgery.

If you are taking Warfarin:

 For atrial fibrillation (AF), Warfarin should be stopped 5 days prior to procedure.

 Mechanical Heart Valves or post blood clots in legs or lungs - Warfarin needs to be weaned off under cover of short acting blood thinner called Clexane.

Patients with kidney failure or abnormal kidney function undergoing stent grafting:

Mr. Holdaway needs to be aware of this prior to your procedure.  You may need to be prescribed a medication to reduce the chance of dye induced kidney problems.  Bring ultrasound scans.

Patients on dialysis having surgery:

You should arrange dialysis 1 day prior to anaesthesia.

After discharge:

Please contact Mr. Holdaway if;

 The wounds become hot, red or begin to discharge fluid.

 A leg becomes suddenly painful, pale, numb or cold.

 Generally stitches will dissolve unless staples are used.