Early results of a flexible bifurcated endovascular stent-graft (Aorfix).
OBJECTIVE
First generation stent-grafts were associated with low applicability, high conversion rates due to technical failure and low durability. Second generation stent-grafts need to address these problems in order to secure endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) as a viable option to open repair in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). The early results of a second-generation stent-graft (Aorfix) for the treatment of AAA are reported.


METHODS
A European multi-centre study of the Aorfix bifurcated endovascular stent-graft was performed. The Aorfix stent-grafts were inserted according to a predefined clinical protocol in 4 centres experienced in EVAR and all data was collected prospectively on a central database.


RESULTS
A total of 24 patients underwent attempted aneurysm repair with the Aorfix stent-graft. There were no conversions to open repair. One technical failure resulted in insertion of another stent-graft. At 30-day follow-up there had been no secondary endovascular or open interventions. There were only 2 endoleaks, both of which were type II.


CONCLUSIONS
Aorfix currently offers early results, which are at least as good as other second-generation stent-grafts. It has given satisfactory results with highly angulated proximal necks and may improve the treatment outlook for these patients. Whether the unique design features increase durability and reduce long-term complications remains to be seen.
Hinchliffe
R J
RJ
Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, University Hospital, Nottingham, UK. robhinchliffe@hotmail.com
Macierewicz
J
J
Hopkinson
B R
BR
D000368:Aged; D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000601:surgery*; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000601:surgery*; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D015607:Stents