A few days ago, superstar Rajinikanth was admitted to Appollo Hospital in Chennai after experiencing digestive discomfort. At the time, the doctors had said he would be undergoing an 'elective procedure,' which is a non-emergency surgery to improve his quality of life. Now, we hear that the actor will be discharged on Friday after being treated for swelling in a blood vessel in the heart. In a statement, the hospital said that it was treated by a 'non-surgical trans catheter method.' The statement said a stent was placed in his aorta, completely sealing off the swelling (Endovascular Repair).' What procedure did Rajinikanth go through, and how will it help him?

A procedure to lower risks
According to the Cleveland Clinic, Endovascular Aneurysm Repair is a procedure in which doctors insert special devices called stent grafts into the heart using tiny punctures. They create a new lining in arteries, lowering the risk of their rupture. The procedure is effective at preventing the aorta's aneurysm or a weak, bulging area from bursting, which can be a life-threatening event. Interestingly, not every aneurysm needs treatment. A healthcare provider considers this procedure if the patient have large or small aneurysm that's growing quickly, if the patient does not qualify for an open surgery with a large incision and have healthy blood vessel tissues near the aneurysm. 

Heart issues in the past too
In 2021, Rajinikanth had undergone a carotid artery revascularization operation, which is generally performed to improve blood flow in the carotid artery in the neck. He also underwent a kidney transplant at a hospital in the US in 2016, as per reports. In 2020, there were reports that he decided to take a backseat from politics as his doctors were worried about his health conditions.