Three year single centre experience with the AneuRx aortic stent graft.
OBJECTIVE
To report the mid-term single-centre experience with the AneuRx self-expandable nitinol stentgraft for endovascular aneurysm repair.


METHODS
Between December 1996 and January 2000 a total of 128 patients were treated with an AneuRx bifurcated stentgraft. Of these, 77 patients had a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Patient operative and follow-up data were prospectively gathered.


RESULTS
Two (3%) conversions were necessary. Median hospital stay was 3 days. One superficial wound infection occurred. Periprocedural (30 days) mortality was 5% (four patients). Three graft occlusions were noted of which two required treatment. Fifteen patients developed 18 endoleaks (six type 1, eight type 2 and four type 3). Type 1 and type 3 endoleaks were treated by extension cuffs. Four type 2 endoleaks were treated with embolisation or direct lumbar puncture. Two-year freedom from endoleak was 76%. Graft migration occurred in six cases, resulting in a 2-year freedom from migration of 90%, kinking only once.


CONCLUSIONS
endovascular AAA treatment is feasible and so far mid-term results are without major problems. Extensive follow-up is essential as secondary problems may occur later. Long-term results are to be awaited.
Tutein Nolthenius
R P
RP
Department of Vascular Surgery, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands.
van Herwaarden
J A
JA
van den Berg
J C
JC
van Marrewijk
C
C
Teijink
J A
JA
Moll
F L
FL
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000792:Angiography / Q000379:methods; D001014:Aortic Aneurysm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / Q000379:methods* / Q000401:mortality; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015607:Stents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015996:Survival Rate; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome