A UK multi-centre experience with a second-generation endovascular stent-graft: results from the Zenith Users Group.
BACKGROUND
Endovascular aneurysm repair has been criticised for high rates of technical failure and secondary intervention. Second generation stent-grafts have been developed in an attempt to reduce these problems. The results of a UK multi-centre experience with a second generation device (Zenith) are presented.


METHODS
Data were collected retrospectively from five experienced UK vascular centres in patients undergoing endovascular aneurysm repair with the Zenith stent-graft.


RESULTS
A total of 269 patients underwent attempted aneurysm repair with the Zenith device. Median aneurysm diameter was 65 (interquartile range 52-78) mm. There were no conversions to open repair. Peri-operative mortality was 4.1% (11/269). On the initial post-operative scan, 94.1% of aneurysms were successfully excluded. During a median follow-up of 363 (interquartile range 154-720) days there were 19 secondary interventions and two aneurysm ruptures.


CONCLUSIONS
Second generation endovascular stent-graft designs such as the Zenith are associated with low rates of intra-operative technical complications. Few secondary interventions have been necessary during follow-up; however, surveillance is essential to ensure they continue to perform.
Hinchliffe
R J
RJ
Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, University Hospital, Nottingham, UK.
Goldberg
J
J
Macsweeney
S T R
ST
D000368:Aged; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000601:surgery*; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D015607:Stents; D016896:Treatment Outcome