EndoSure® Wireless AAA Pressure Sensor

The EndoSure® Wireless AAA Pressure Sensor is inserted during the minimally invasive repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) or thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA), via a catheter into a patient’s aneurysm sac. Due to their small size, durability and lack of wires and batteries, the EndoSure® sensors are designed to be permanently implanted into the aneurysm sac. As a result, the EndoSure® system is intended to last for, and transmit data over, the lifetime of the patient without requiring repeated procedures.

To date, more than 3500 patients have been implanted with the EndoSure® sensor. Click here to view procedure animation.

The illustration below shows the position of the EndoSure® sensor (next to the stent graft) in an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) sac.

EndoSure s2™ Wireless Pressure Sensor in an endovascularly repaired aneurysm sac

Since a goal of endovascular aneurysm repair is to eliminate or minimize pressure on the walls of the sac, the EndoSure® sensor is a valuable tool in helping a physician to determine during the procedure if the aneurysm has been adequately repaired.

The EndoSure® sensor uses radiofrequency, or RF, energy to transmit real-time pressure information to an external electronics module, which then communicates this information to the patient’s physician. The EndoSure® sensor does not require the patient to be exposed to contrast dye or radiation like a computerized tomography scan (CT scan) and is intended to minimize patient discomfort.

If you and your physician decide that you will receive an endovascular stent graft and you are thinking about having an EndoSure® sensor implanted, you may have some questions. 

Below are answers to common questions about the EndoSure® sensor. For additional information, please contact your physician.

1. Do I need to have any special tests before I can receive the EndoSure® Sensor?
2. Do I need to have any special tests after I receive the EndoSure® Sensor?
3. Does the EndoSure® sensor have a battery that will need to be replaced?
4. Can I have an ultrasound procedure or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) if I have the EndoSure® sensor?
5. I have a pacemaker or another type of device in my heart. Can I still have the EndoSure® sensor placed in my aneurysm?
6. My aneurysm was treated with a stent graft some time ago. Can I have the EndoSure® sensor inserted now?

Do I need to have any special tests before I can receive the EndoSure® sensor?

Your physician will need to see if you have enough room in the aneurysm sac for the EndoSure® sensor. He/she will have a CT scan performed to make this assessment, the same test used to determine what size stent graft you need. No additional tests are needed for you to receive the EndoSure® sensor other than the usual tests performed before having surgery.

Do I need to have any special tests after I receive the EndoSure® Sensor?

No additional tests are needed after the aortic aneurysm procedure. Your physician will ask you to return for examinations as he or she decides is best for you so that he/she can make sure that the stent graft continues to work properly. 

Surveillance and monitoring of aortic aneurysm patients must be performed for the life of the patient and generally involve the use of medical imaging technology, such as CT scans, which are associated with radiation and intravenous contrast toxicity that can lead to kidney damage. As a result, physicians are exploring other ways to confirm that the stent graft is working properly.

Does the EndoSure® sensor have a battery that will need to be replaced?

No. The EndoSure® sensor has no battery or wires. Once it is in place, the EndoSure® sensor is designed to remain in the aneurysm sac permanently.

Can I have an ultrasound procedure or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) if I have the EndoSure® sensor?

Yes. Ultrasound does not affect the EndoSure® sensor. You can have an MRI without any harm although you should show the Patient Implant Card to your physician. The Patient Implant Card states the type of MRI equipment that is safe for use if you have an EndoSure® sensor.

I have a pacemaker or another type of device in my heart.  Can I still have the EndoSure® sensor placed in my aneurysm?

Yes. The EndoSure® sensor has been designed not to interfere with pacemakers or other implants.  

My aneurysm was treated with a stent graft some time ago.  Can I have the EndoSure® sensor inserted now?

At this time, the EndoSure® sensor can only be inserted during an endovascular AAA or TAA repair procedure.

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