TEVAR has a much shorter recovery time and improved patient tolerance compared to open surgical repair. The repair can be performed under local anesthesia if needed. Typically, patients can go home the following day. An open thoracic aneurysm repair requires a longer ICU stay and a recovery time of several weeks if the patient does not have any complications. A TEVAR starts with obtaining access to the femoral artery. A wire is maneuvered into the aorta past the aneurysm. Location of the aneurysm is confirmed with contrast dye and possibly intravascular ultrasound. Finally, a covered stent will be deployed to essentially bypass the aneurysmal area. A covered stent consists of a metal cage surrounded by a waterproof material such as polytetrafluoroethylene. This will help to prevent the aneurysm from growing larger and potentially bursting. Repeat imaging confirms stent placement and makes sure there is no leakage of blood around the stent which could increase the size of the aneurysm.