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 Minimizing surgical trauma in the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) 
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The annual mortality from abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) rupture is 15,000 patients, making it the 13th leading cause of death in the U.S. Traditional surgical treatment of AAA involves a large incision to place a synthetic graft to repair the diseased artery. This method can result in long hospital stays and painful recoveries. Physicians continue to seek less invasive alternatives to this major open surgical approach.
Gore's EXCLUDER® AAA Endoprosthesis is an innovative device designed to be a minimally invasive treatment option for patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). It is constructed of a durable ePTFE bifurcated graft with an outer self-expanding nitinol support structure to combine both device flexibility and material durability. The function of the endoprosthesis is to internally reline the abdominal aorta, including the bifurcation, and isolate the aneurysm from blood circulation. The device is inserted by a catheter-based delivery technique through small incisions in the patient's legs. The expected outcomes of this new treatment option include decreased procedural times and shorter hospital stays.
Gore’s low permeability EXCLUDER® Endoprosthesis is composed of a durable, ePTFE graft, a low permeability film layer, ePTFE reinforcing film, an electropolished nitinol stent, and bonding film for stent to graft attachment. The device retains the original reinforcing film, lending strength and durability to the graft wall. The low permeability design employs a microstructure technology that results in significantly reduced graft permeability.