title: Aortic aneurysm size and graft behavior after endovascular stent-grafting: clinical experiences and observations over 3 years.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the long-term safety and efficacy of aortic endografts in terms of clinical outcome, continuing aneurysm exclusion, and changes of aneurysm size and graft configuration.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between August 1994 and July 1997, 190 patients (176 men; mean age 68.7 years, range 40-87) with aortic and aortoiliac aneurysms were treated with endovascular stent-grafts (Stentor, Vanguard, and EGS) in a tertiary care municipal hospital setting. Follow-up involved clinic visits every 3 to 6 months with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), color duplex, and plain abdominal radiographs at regular intervals; angiography was used selectively. All data were collected prospectively and entered into a computerized database.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Implantation was possible in 188 (98.9%) patients. Early conversion to open surgical repair was required in 14 (7.4%) patients. Primary endoleaks were detected in 32 (16.8%) patients. Perioperative mortality was 0.53% (1/190). During follow-up, 17 (8.9%) additional patients were converted to open repair over a mean 20.9 months. Thirty-seven secondary procedures to treat endoleaks and pelvic outflow occlusions were performed in 30 (15.8%) patients. Changes in stent configuration suggestive of endograft disintegration were observed in 31 (29.8%) of 104 abdominal radiographs. Intraluminal layering of thrombus was seen on contrast-enhanced CT images in 20 patients. A significant trend (chi(2)4 = 12.34, p < 0.025) toward aneurysm enlargement was seen in patients with persistent endoleaks at a mean 18-month follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although endoleaks after aortic stent-graft placement tend to cause ongoing aneurysm growth, we have also observed aneurysm shrinkage despite ongoing endoleak. The presence or absence of an endoleak in itself may be a poor predictor of successful stent-graft therapy. Lifelong surveillance is needed to assure successful aneurysm exclusion and stability or shrinkage of the aneurysm sac. Technical improvements in stent materials and design are necessary to guarantee long-term stability and safety of the device.
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Surgery, Klinikum Nürnberg Süd, Germany.
authors.forename: C D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Schunn
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Krauss
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Heilberger
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Ritter
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Raithel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000792:Angiography; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D012008:Recurrence; D015607:Stents; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color