Provena St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, Ill., now offers a new stent for patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms — the Talent Abdominal Stent Graft. The procedure involves using a synthetic graft that is attached to the end of a catheter, inserted through an artery in the patient's leg and threaded up into his or her aorta.

The graft — a woven tube covered by a metal mesh support — is deployed at the site of the aneurysm and fastened in place with small hooks. The graft reinforces the weakened section of the aorta to prevent rupture of the aneurysm.

This type of procedure is called endovascular-stent graft surgery. The device is uniquely designed with three methods of fixation for stability, durability, and performance. Its design allows it to be used in patients who otherwise would be a candidate only for open surgery.