hey there vetswife i had one of those stents put in my AAA in 2002 --piece of cake!!!!i had the dacron patch thing put in in 1993 only to start bulging out again(boy when they tell you to have it csaned each year do it,)I know exactly what equipment they are talking about that failed,they must have a lousy repairman they are not too complicated,they use them for heart stents also.They kept me in bed for 12 hours for the artery in my leg to healup and i was out of bed.went home next day. Have the stent c scanned each year cause they can move.The hubby will be stiff for a while untill he gets used to it, it may catch the skin but wont hurt, if it does pinch let the dr know he can check it by finger tip pressure.please dont worry this stent is much better than the old method. I was in the hospital, due to that proceedure,46 days,and 26 pints of blood.I was coming apart faster than they could repair me!!me and the good lord got to know each other real well. I will pray for you two tonight!!!!!