For Rex Parker, 87, learning he had another abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) was troubling. He had survived his first AAA — a bulge in the wall of the abdominal aorta — in 2001. The retired contractor from Lakewood had spent a week at a hospital in New York after surgery to repair that AAA, and his recovery had taken several months. It had been difficult, at best.
"I knew there was no way I could undergo that type of surgery again," says Rex. But he also knew there was no way to avoid treatment. If AAAs become too large, they can rupture and cause internal bleeding that may be fatal.
Fortunately, this time Rex had an alternative. Frank Sharp, M.D., a vascular surgeon at Ocean Medical Center and the Jersey Coast Vascular Institute, determined that Rex was a candidate for a minimally invasive procedure called endovascular repair. This type of surgery would mean a much smaller incision, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster recovery for Rex. It's also safer than traditional open repair.
Surgery in High Definition
Dr. Sharp is one of five Fellowship trained vascular surgeons at Ocean who focus solely on vascular surgery. These surgeons perform both traditional and minimally invasive procedures in a dedicated endovascular suite that features state-of-the-art imaging equipment.
Dr. Sharp is one of five Fellowship trained vascular surgeons at Ocean who focus solely on vascular surgery. These surgeons perform both traditional and minimally invasive procedures in a dedicated endovascular suite that features state-of-the-art imaging equipment.
"We use the best imaging technology available today," says Dr. Sharp. "That changes the whole game. It's the difference between seeing images on a 25-year-old tube TV compared with today's high-definition TV. The technology is also much safer because there's less radiation exposure to the patient and operating team."
Dr. Sharp performed Rex's endovascular repair on September 21, 2010. He made a small incision on each side of Rex's groin and then, using X-ray guidance viewed on overhead screens, moved a stent-graft up through Rex's arteries. A stent-graft is a tiny tube made of fabric supported by a metal framework. When the stent-graft is placed in the aorta, it reinforces the weakened area and creates a new path for blood flow.
Back to Life, Better than Ever
After spending just one night in the hospital, Rex was able to return home. Within a week, he was back to his usual routine. "I have no discomfort," he says.
He feels a huge sense of relief that the procedure is over. "It was so much easier than the first one," Rex says. "After the first procedure, I didn't feel well for six months. It was really hard on me, physically and emotionally."
Rex still requires periodic CT scans to make sure the device is not leaking and has not shifted position. This follow-up care is very important for patients with stent-grafts.
Now Rex is busy spending time with his wife, Rosalie; his beloved dachshund; and his dozen grandchildren. "I feel better than ever," he says.
About the Doctor
- Frank J. Sharp, M.D.
Board certified in General Surgery & Vascular Surgery
Brick, NJ | 732-202-1500
