title: Early elective conversion for failing EVAR.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of the study was to assess the long term results of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms at the Helsinki University Central Hospital 1996-2004 with a special emphasis on elective conversion procedures and their outcome.
  
  
  METHODS
  Treatment results and follow-up data of all 110 elective EVAR procedures performed in our institution were gathered prospectively and evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Conversion to open surgery was performed in 23 (21%) of 110 EVAR patients. 30-day mortality after elective stent-graft deployment was 0% as it was also on elective conversions (n = 20). Secondary elective conversions were performed due to infection in two and after failing stent-graft treatment in 12 patients. Six of the conversions were performed primarily. Three urgent conversions (3% overall) were performed: two of these patients died, corresponding to an overall mortality of 9% (2/23) in all conversions. Five-year aneurysm-related mortality after EVAR among patients with elective conversion was 0% and 19% in patients with secondary procedures other than elective conversions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  As conversions seem to be hazardous only when performed in urgent situations, elective conversion could be an alternative treatment method in complex failing first-generation stent-grafts as it may reduce mortality associated with urgent conversions or repeated attempts to maintain graft integrity with endovascular procedures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Surgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland. pekka.aho@hus.fi
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Aho
authors.forename: W D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Roth
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Keto
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lepäntalo
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000601:surgery*; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000401:mortality; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures / Q000401:mortality; D004630:Emergencies / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D012086:Reoperation / Q000401:mortality; D015607:Stents; D017211:Treatment Failure; D016896:Treatment Outcome