Mid-term results of patients undergoing endovascular aortic aneurysm repair.
BACKGROUND
The utilization of endovascular aneurysm repair (EAR) is increasing significantly; however, few papers have outlined mid-term outcomes.


METHODS
Patients undergoing EAR with an AneuRx endograft between September 1997 and May 2001 were evaluated. Mean follow-up was 20.7 +/- 11.9 (SD) months.


RESULTS
In all, 101 EAR devices were successfully deployed in 105 attempts. Four open conversions (2 acute, 2 delayed) were performed for complications of EAR. Technical, clinical, and 1 to 3 year continuing success rates were 75%, 73%, and 78% to 83%. When divided by the median date, significantly fewer patients in the later group required secondary procedures compared with the early group. Vascular insufficiency occurred in 12 patients; 11 were treated with a secondary procedure. For 9 type I and 9 type II persistent endoleaks, secondary procedures were attempted and successful in 10 patients. Of successful EAR deployments, including secondary interventions, 85% demonstrated no persistent leak, rupture, increase in aneurysm size, or migration at most recent follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
EAR is successful in selected individuals; however, continuing follow-up is of paramount importance.
Tonnessen
Britt H
BH
Section of Vascular Surgery, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, 1514 Jefferson Hwy., New Orleans, LA 70121, USA.
Conners
Michael S
MS
Sternbergh
W Charles
WC
Carter
Glen
G
Yoselevitz
Moises
M
Money
Samuel R
SR
D000368:Aged; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000601:surgery*; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods* / Q000401:mortality; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000209:etiology*; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000098:blood supply*; D008297:Male; D015607:Stents; D016896:Treatment Outcome